Thiruvananthapuram: An order has been issued for a crime branch inquiry into the controversial audio recording that was released in the name of Swapna Suresh, one of the main accused in the Trivandrum airport gold smuggling case.
A special inquiry team will be formed for the investigation, DGP Lokanath Behera said. Although the crime branch will be in charge of the investigation, it will be led by Rural ASP ES Bijimon, who is in charge of the high-tech cell.
The order for the investigation came as a fallout of the strict stance adopted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the audio recording.
The ED had written to jail DGP Rishiraj Singh seeking an inquiry to find out how an audio recording of an accused lodged in jail came out. Singh handed over the letter to Behera, following which the inquiry was ordered.
Rishiraj Singh had earlier written to Behera pointing out the need to find out where the audio message was recorded and who did it to protect the credibility of the prison department. The police, however, did not start any inquiry in response to that letter, saying that an investigation would be considered only if a complaint was received from Swapna.
However, an investigation became necessary after the ED said the voice recording may have been released as part of a conspiracy to sabotage the gold smuggling case. The central agencies also started parallel investigations.
The ED has also decided to bring to the notice of the court the mystery behind the leak of the voicemail of the accused who is in judicial custody.
How ED’s name got dragged into the controversy
In the audio message being attributed to Swapna, it is said that one of the investigating agencies had offered to make her an approver if she made a statement against the chief minister. The CPM started a campaign stating that the audio recording was evidence that there was a move to trap the chief minister.
Although there is no mention of ED in the audio recording, the presenter of the portal that released the message made it seem that the reference was to the agency. This is one reason to suspect that there is something suspicious about the voice message.
ED to question CM Raveendran this week
The chief minister's additional private secretary C M Raveendran will be questioned by the Enforcement Directorate this week in the money laundering case related to gold smuggling. It will issue a fresh notice on Monday asking him to appear before it in person.
He was earlier issued a notice to appear before the agency on November 6 for questioning along with M Sivasankar. However, a day before the questioning he informed the ED that has tested positive for COVID. He recently informed the investigation team that he has recovered from the disease.
Swapna undergoes heart diagnosis
Swapna Suresh underwent medical diagnosis at the cardiology department of the Medical College Hospital. She had sought treatment for chest pain while in custody earlier. Attakulangara jail authorities said that she was taken for her regular monthly check-ups advised following the earlier complaint. Police and customs officials also accompanied the jail authorities while she was taken to the hospital.
