The CBI probe into the Nedumbassery gold smuggling case is likely to net more Customs officials. CBI sources said they have found involvement of two more officials, including an Assistant Commissioner.
The investigating agency interrogated six Customs officials recently and received information about the involvement of other officials with prime accused Fayaz, who had allegedly smuggled in gold with the assistance of Customs officials.
“Some officials, including an Assistant Commissioner and Inspector-ranked Customs officials, also have received gifts and remuneration from gold smugglers. Most of them received gifts like LED TV and other electronic gadgets purchased from Dubai. These police officers had maintained contact with Fayaz. During the interrogation, the officers submitted that Fayaz used to contact them when he arrived at the airport. But they submitted that they had no other relationship with him. But from the gifts given by Fayaz to these officials, it is quite clear that they were having close contact with the smugglers. These officials received electronic goods without paying customs duty for it. Since there is concrete evidence against more Customs officials, they would be included in the case,”a CBI official said.
The CBI, which have received the custody of Fayaz, Harris, Arifa and Asifa, other accused, will be interrogating them over the frequency of the smuggling with the help of Customs officials.