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NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday allowed the National Investigation Agency to probe the gold smuggling case detected on the Thiruvananthapuram worldwide airport in Kerala because the incident “may have serious implications for national security,” officers stated.
The resolution got here a day after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in search of his “intervention for an effective investigation” into the seizure of gold value crores of rupees from a “diplomatic baggage” on the airport within the state capital.
“The MHA permits the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate the Thiruvananthapuram airport gold smuggling case, as the organised smuggling operation may have serious implications for national security,” a house ministry spokesperson stated.
The gold, weighing over 30 kg, was seized from the “diplomatic baggage” that had landed by air cargo on the Thiruvananthapuram worldwide airport not too long ago from the Gulf.
The Customs division has stated that it suspected a smuggling syndicate had misused the title of an individual who enjoys diplomatic immunity.
Two individuals, together with a lady, are wished in reference to the sensational case. Both the suspects are absconding, officers stated.