KOCHI: Customs in Thiruvananthapuram saw another crucial transfer amid investigations into the sensational gold smuggling case. This time, Joint Commissioner Aneesh P Rajan, in-charge of the investigations, has been transferred to Nagpur.
Aneesh Rajan, in service at Customs Commissionerate at Kochi since a year-and-half, played key role in intercepting the smuggled gold that arrived in diplomatic baggage at the cargo terminal oj 5th June. His moved procedures at quick pace to net in main culprits in the case and also worked his way to extend investigations right up to the UAE consulate. At one point BJP and Congress leadership kicked up false allegations against Aneesh. The present transfer is an outcome of the pressure tactics employed thereafter.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and BJP state president K Surendran has been up in arms ever since Aneesh Rajan hinted that the progress in investigations were not satisfactory. The duo had also thrown up up rumours claiming the Customs received a call from the Chief Minister’s office after the contraband was seized.
Later, Aneesh appeared before the media to affirm there was no such phone call. The revelation provoked Chennithala and Surendran given that their public claims fell flat instantly. Both leaders had spun their criticism and accusations around political leaning Aneesh’s brother maintained.
After Customs at the airport seized the diplomatic baggage, a BJP man at Customs Clearance Agents Association called the officials repeatedly and even threatened consequences if the contraband was exposed. He later made efforts to have it returned to UAE. K Surendran was put off when these developments became known through media.
The present ouster from investigations comes despite an excellent track record held by Aneesh Rajan and the crucial role he played in up-hauling the gold cache. After assuming office as Joint Commissioner in Kochi, around 1400 gold smuggling attempts had been intercepted under his Aneesh’s leadership and roughly 800 culprits booked.
The transfer order datedWednesday ends Aneesh's stint on 30th itself and further directs him to report to Nagpur office before 10th of August.
