Thiruvananthapuram: The opposition parties in Kerala have demanded the resignation of CM Pinarayi Vijayan after Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the gold smuggling case, made startling disclosure in a court that CM, his family members along with his key bureaucratic aides were involved in the scandal.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after recording her statement under Section 164 of the CrPC at the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Swapna Suresh said that large biryani pots containing “heavy metal objects” were despatched from the UAE consul general’s residence at Jawahar Nagar in Thiruvananthapuram to Cliff House, the CM’s official residence, on multiple occasions in the consulate’s vehicles. Swapna Suresh alleged that it was done under the instructions of M Sivasankar, who was then serving as the principal secretary in the CMO.
Swapna also said she had given a detailed statement regarding the involvement of Sivasankar, CM, his wife Kamala, and daughter Reena, his office secretary C M Raveendran, IAS officer Nalini Netto, and Jaleel in the smuggling racket.
“Surprisingly, we have delivered biriyani vessels with huge weight from the Consul General’s house to Cliff House (CM’s official house) in the vehicle of the consulate. This was according to the instructions of Sivasankar. It was not just biryani, it had metal objects. There have been many incidents like this. When taken to Cliff House I think it’s common sense (on asking about whether CM is aware or not),” Swapna further said.
She also urged the court and the investigation agencies to conduct a proper investigation. “Everything else has been said in court. There is a case going on and the investigation should be proper. If everyone is involved, according to the decree of involvement, the court and the investigation agencies should listen to an accused and understand what is their involvement,” she added.
