Emigration staff involved in trafficking at Kochi airport

Investigations have revealed that a police constable and an inspector posted at the emigration wing of the Kochi International Airport were involved in human trafficking.

A 27-page report on the investigation, conducted by Assistant Commissioner of Emigration N P Somaraj, has been submitted to the director general of police.  

The report said a few other police personnel working with the emigration wing of the airport were also involved in human trafficking, while the constable, Ajeeb, and the inspector, Ashraf, were coordinating the operations.

The investigators found that in the last six months, Rs 56.9 lakh was deposited in the bank account of Ajeebs’s father, Pareed, at Kothamangalam in Idukki district. In June and July, Rs 35 lakh was deposited. Several leading travel agencies from across the country were learnt to have deposited money in the account. Moreover, the money was withdrawn within hours after it was credited, from ATMs in the airport and surrounding areas.

It was also found that Ajeeb, who draws a monthly salary of Rs16,000, has commissioned a house at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh at Perumpavoor near Kochi.

An investigation has been ordered into allegations of human trafficking at the Kochi International Airport.