Swapna Suresh and the Kerala Gold Smuggling Case: Latest Developments and Controversies

Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the 2020 Kerala gold smuggling case, has been at the center of several controversies and legal battles. The case, which came to light on July 5, 2020, involved the seizure of 30 kilograms of 24-carat gold worth 14.8 crores from diplomatic baggage at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Recently, Swapna Suresh has been in the news for challenging Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter Veena Vijayan to file a defamation case against her. This challenge came after she secured bail in a defamation suit filed by CPI(M) state secretary, MV Govindan. Suresh alleged that a person named Vijesh Pillai threatened her on behalf of Govindan, suggesting that Govindan wanted her to withdraw her allegations against the Chief Minister and his family in exchange for 30 crore and assistance to move to Malaysia.

Penalties and Legal Consequences

The customs department has imposed significant penalties on Swapna Suresh and other accused in the case. Suresh has been fined 6 crore, while M Sivasankar, the former principal secretary to the Chief Minister, has been fined 50 lakh. Other key accused, including Jamal Husein Alzaabi and Rashed Khamis Alimusaiqri Al Ashmei, have also been fined 6 crore each. The fines were imposed under the Customs Act, 1962, for improper transportation of goods.

In addition to the fines, the customs department has ordered the confiscation of cars and fixed deposits belonging to the accused. The total fine imposed on all 44 accused in the case amounts to 66.6 crore.

Allegations of Police Involvement

Swapna Suresh and another accused, Sarith Kumar, have alleged that ADGP M R Ajith Kumar helped them escape from Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru during the COVID-19 lockdown. They claimed that Ajith Kumar provided a route to avoid police checkpoints, enabling them to bypass stringent travel restrictions.

Suresh corroborated Sarith's allegations, stating that high-level intervention facilitated their escape. However, she clarified that she did not know Ajith Kumar personally but suggested that the intervention was likely orchestrated by him.

These allegations add another layer of complexity to the already contentious case, highlighting potential involvement of high-ranking officials in aiding the accused.