Kochi: Customs Preventive Commissioner Sumit Kumar has said that the state police is not seriously investigating attacks and kidnappings by smuggling gangs in the state. In an exclusive interview with Manorama Online, he said it was the responsibility of the state police to provide security to the Customs Preventive Commissionerate and would not issue a letter to that effect.
‘Between November and January, there were three attacks on customs and DRI officials near the Kozhikode airport. An assassination attempt was made on DRI officials. He attacked the customs officers and escaped by taking them to the hospital to retrieve the gold hidden in the body. Some people followed my vehicle at the same place. Is the life of officials of important Central Investigation Agencies of no value here? In none of these cases has the investigation gone anywhere. How will you handle the situation? ‘
∙ Is there a law and order situation?
Officials are not the only ones being attacked. The gangs abduct passengers, including women, suspected of smuggling gold locally. Seriously injuring. It is clear that smuggling gangs are behind such violence. The police have a system in place to get clear information about them. But no action is taken. Despite the recurrence of the incidents, the state government has not taken any special interest or action. There will be an investigation at the beginning. The latter will stand. No attempt has been made to find the culprits or the big sharks behind it and the cases have not progressed. This shows that behind the smugglers are powerful people with administrative influence. This was not the case before. Right now, the situation is very bad. Today was the march to the Preventive Commissionerate. I had to file my own petition in the High Court. What kind of law and order should this be called?
∙ Is there a threat of violence in the case of summoning the higher ups for questioning in the dollar case?
Such a situation exists. The impact of the paper is expected. There will be no compromise on the safety of the officers.
∙ Will there be any intervention from the Central Government?
The central government has to look after them. Law and order is completely in the hands of the state government. They have to look at it.
∙ Are there any steps on the part of Customs?
We are less likely to intervene in this matter. We are also investigating the case and seeing the carriers. Officials have also been given the necessary security instructions. Proceed through legal means.
∙ What about the withdrawal of CRPF security?
The finance ministry has been repeatedly asked to maintain security. That is for them to decide.
∙ Seek police protection?
There is no need for that. Doesn’t the state government know all this? There is nothing special to ask. It is the responsibility of the state government and the police to provide security.
∙ High link in dollar smuggling and gold smuggling cases?
All that has been said in court.
English Summary: Customs Commissioner alleges Kerala police lapse in probe on Smuggling related attacks
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