The CBI would soon initiate steps for interrogating John Joseph, Deputy Director-General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in Nedumbassery gold-smuggling case.
The Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court on Saturday dismissed the bail petition of suspected gold smuggler T K Fayaz and anticipatory bail petition of his brother Faizal. The CBI, after recording statements of Fayaz, Customs Deputy Commissioner C Madhavan and Customs Assistant Commissioner Anil Kumar, decided to go forward with the interrogation of John Joseph. “Since three main accused in the case have revealed John Joseph’s connection with Fayaz, we have to interrogate him. A report in this regard has been sent to the Directorate in New Delhi. With the consent of the Centre, we will question him. All the steps in this regard would be completed soon. Only after interrogation, would we take a call on including him in the case,” CBI officials said. Madhavan had given a statement that it was John Joseph who had introduced Fayaz to him. On Friday, Anil Kumar also have given statement and also submitted a copy of SMSes sent to him by John Joseph regarding details of the flight in which Fayaz arrived at Nedumbassery and asked him to help Fayaz.
The CBI, during the interrogation of Fayaz, received details of his connection with John Joseph. Meanwhile, dismissing Fayaz’ bail plea, the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court observed that the case is still at a progressing stage and it would not be appropriate to give bail to Fayaz now. Failzal’s bail plea was dismissed after the Customs Dept filed a report regarding the involvement of Faizal in the case.