CM’s principal secy removed for alleged links to gold smuggling accused

Thiruvananthapuram: The government on Tuesday removed senior IAS official M Sivasankar as the principal secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He has been replaced by IAS officer Mir Muhammad Ali.

Following M Sivasankar’s role in hiring Swapna Suresh with alleged links to smuggling gold erupted in media, the government has to run the gauntlet.   

Opposition parties chorused allegations linking the incident to CM’s office, prompting the government to take a face-saving action.

 Earlier, Chief Minister said Swapna had been appointed without his knowledge.

 Sivasankar is also the state IT secretary and the chairman of KSITIL, where Swapna was employed. Following the controversy, the government had terminated her service.

The Customs had seized 30 kg of gold, valued at Rs 15 crore, at Thiruvananthapuram airport on Sunday.