Kerala CM attacks Customs Commissioner, raises suspicion against MOS Muraleedharan

Vijayan alleged that gold smuggling using diplomatic baggage started after BJP leader from Kerala V Muraleedharan became Minister of State for External Affairs

Stepping up an attack against the Customs and the BJP government at the Centre, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has alleged that Customs Commissioner in Kerala was trying to help the Opposition parties in Kerala during the election as allegations poured in against the LDF government and the CM.

He also alleged that gold smuggling using diplomatic baggage, in which the Speaker, some MLAs and the CM himself are under scanner, started after BJP leader from Kerala V Muraleedharan became Minister of State for External Affairs.

Vijayan was reacting to an affidavit filed by Customs before the Kerala High Court on Friday stating that gold smuggling accused Swapna Suresh had named in her confidential statement Vijayan, Kerala Assembly Speaker and three ministers.

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Vijayan alleged that a Congress-BJP nexus was going on to tarnish the LDF government's image and the Customs Commissioner was dancing to their tune.

He said that Swapna was in the custody of central agencies for several weeks and her statements had come out, but no reports so far suggested that she gave statements against the Chief Minister, Speaker or ministers. He said that there could be chances of the accused coming under pressure from the investigation agencies for political interests.

Vijayan also alleged that Customs Commissioner flouted the norms by revealing details of confidential statements of Swapna, as he was not even party to the case pending before the High Court. Legal measures were being explored against the unlawful acts of the central agencies, said Vijayan.