Thiruvananthapuram : Investigations into the gold smuggling case has become a political headache for BJP, prompting it to refuse consent for a questionnaire prepared by Customs officials, seeking answers from UAE attaché. The Customs listed specific queries in their questionnaire for the UAE admin attaché, Rashed Khamis Ali Muasaiqri, who fled the state capital last month after being linked to the gold smuggling case. Those arrested in the case had testified that they acted on his instructions and also, telephone call records indicated constant communication between the attaché and the culprits during the smuggling.
Though probe officials at Customs sent its questionnaire seeking answers from Rashed Khamis, the Ministry for External Affairs refused permission for the document with Deputy Minister for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan and other BJP leaders claiming, the move could impact diplomatic relations adversely.
The prepared list includes questions such as : Did Janam TV editor Anil Nambiar communicate with the consulate general office asking to deny the dubious baggage as a diplomatic one. Another question seeks to find if Anil indeed contacted the office seeking favours for BJP ?
The External Affairs Ministry put its foot down after investigations extended toward BJP leaders in the state. The probe officials grew suspicious of BJP involvement after the Union Deputy Minister V Muraleedharan repeatedly claimed that the intercepted baggage was not a diplomatic one. Incidentally, it is believed that if the questionnaire is allowed to pass and attaché records his answers, the development could incriminate BJP leaders deep into the case.
On 5th of July, the smuggled gold had arrived packed in a baggage addressed to the admin attaché, Rashed Khamis. During interrogations, Swapna admitted to have collected similar baggage along with Sarith, using documents provided to them by the consulate attaché. For his role, the gang paid the attaché a share in commission each time, she said.
The Customs in their probe had hit upon records showing Swapna and Sarith, after their ouster from UAE Consulate, were engaged to take deliveries of similar contraband in the past. For greater insight into exact nature of involvement however, statements from Consulate General and attaché are absolutely important.
Uneasy questions
In its response to the Customs request, the Ministry for External Affairs said they might consider consent for the questionnaire provided, certain questions were taken off the list. While answers to those questions could likely bring out involvement of BJP leaders, Customs is of the view that no crucial feedback would be received, if those questions are struck off the list.
