Gold-smuggling: Kerala govt transfers ADGP Kumar

Thiruvananthapuram: After the latest development in Kerala gold-smuggling case, in which prime accused Swapna Suresh made severe accusations against state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family were involved in the case, the state administration transferred Additional Director General of Police MR Ajith Kumar IPS late on Friday. Also, the security for the CM was tightened, IANS reported.

Security to CM Vijayan got tightened, and media persons were directed to arrive at a venue in Kottayam, to be attended by him on Saturday, an hour early. Attendees of the event were asked not to wear black masks. These measures are usually invoked during a visit by the Prime Minister or the President.

Further, since the fresh revelations by Swapna, no media persons were allowed near Vijayan. Rising to the occasion, senior Kerala Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala slammed Vijayan, saying that the latter was looking for scapegoats so that he could escape.

Chennithala said Vijayan's role in the case must be brought to light. He fears the media, which is why he is hiding inside a fortress of police personnel.

In the meantime, Swapna had informed that she was not well and would not be meeting media for another two days.

Swapna had revealed that a middleman Shaj Kiran- who mentioned the ties between Kumar IPS and another additional director general of Police- had tried to settle the case with her.

To this, Kumar kept mum, but the ADGP Vijay Sakhre responded that he knew nothing about the allegations, wondering why his name was being dragged into the matter.