This will be the second time crime branch is summoning top Air India officials in the case. “They will have to be summoned again since there are some missing links. We have to get more clarity on their earlier statements,” said B Anil Kumar, DSP, crime branch.
The crime branch probe into fake document case involving Swapna Suresh against an Air India officer has gathered momentum following the gold smuggling case probe. The crime branch has decided to summon Air India executive director (disinvestment) Uma Maheshwari and other ICC members to Thiruvananthapuram for their statements in the fake document case.
On July 7, at Thiruvananthapuram airport, the Custom officials had seized 30 kg of gold from the diplomatic baggage.The baggage was supposed to have food items . But later Custom officials checked the baggage after getting necessary approval from the ministry of external affairs.
Then the officials took Sarith ( former PRO at UAE consulate) into custody. Further, it was disclosed that Sarith is no longer an employee at the UAE consulate . But still after his dismissal, he continued introducing himself as PRO at UAE consulate.
While Swapna is working at KSIT in their IT department as an operations manager.
The customs officials said that they suspected smuggling syndicate had misused the name of a person who enjoys diplomatic powers.
Another senior Custom official said that the investigation will also look into the role of other employees of consulate