CPI-M cadre comes under Customs radar in Kozhikode gold smuggling case
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Kozhikode: An active member of the ruling CPI (M) in Kerala has been accused of involving in the gold smuggling case that has been unravelled after the death of a five-member gang who was alleged to have out there to rob the smuggled gold.
The investigation into the gold smuggling of 2.33 kg from Dubai to Kozhikode in Kerala after the five-member gang who met their end in an accident while on their attempt to snatch the smuggled gold led to Arjun Ayanki.
The investigation officer said that Arjun, a native of Kannur district, had reached the Kozhikode airport to receive the smuggled gold but the seizure of the gold by Customs jeopardised the plans of Arjun and the gang.
Soon after the incident, Arjun was said to have gone into hiding from where he wrote a Facebook note in which he pleaded that the CPI-M should not be targeted for the allegations against him.
His note also said that he had not been active in CPI (M) or DYFI for the last three years and the party should be absolved of being questioned for the personal allegations against him. Arjun was the unit secretary of the DYFI in Kannur.
The Customs seized gold was smuggled for a gang based in Kozhikode district's Koduvally and Arjun is accused of reaching the airport on behalf of this gang. But another gang from Palakkad district was also after the smuggled gold with the intention of grabbing it once the consignment out of the airport.
The gang who came to rob the smuggled gold met their end after returning when they realised their man came out with an empty hand. CPI (M) Kannur district secretary M V Jayarajan disowned Arjun, saying the no gang member had any role in the party.
Jayarajan also vowed to hold a massive campaign against these gangs and related social evils on July 5.