KOZHIKODE: After Karat Faisal’s Mini Cooper incident caused it a major embarrassment, the LDF has landed in another big controversy.This time, it is a photo being circulated in social media in which LDF-backed Koduvally MLA Karat Razack and Kunnamangalam MLA P T A Rahim are seen standing beside Abul Lais, the third accused in the Karipur gold smuggling case, against whom action is pending under COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act).
The photo was reportedly taken during the inauguration of a showroom owned by Koduvally native Meppayil Muhammed in Dubai. A relative of Shahabas Mohammed, the first accused, Lais is absconding after COFEPOSA was evoked against him by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with gold smuggling.
“We were accorded reception at various centres, including Gulf countries, after winning the elections. It was at this time we were invited to the inauguration of the showroom in Dubai. It was businessman Meppayil Muhammed who invited us and not Abul Lais. At public functions, we cannot decide who should pose with us for the photos,” said Rahim.“Abul Lais is my relative. I have seen him at that function and also once afterwards. I don’t think there is anything wrong in it,” he said. Despite several attempts, Razack was unavailable for comment in connection with the issue.