KOCHI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Friday arrested a customs head havildar from the Kochi airport while attempting to smuggle three kilograms of gold. The accused, identified as Sunil Francis, was arrested and placed under suspension. The DRI officials recovered three gold bars of one kilogram each valued at nearly Rs 1 crore. According to officials, the gold was smuggled in by a passenger arrived from Dubai.
“An inquiry against the accused has been initiated. The officer is currently facing vigilance rule proceedings under the code of conduct,” said Customs Commissioner Sumit Kumar. The accu-sed will be produced bef-ore the court on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the DRI sleuths have also detained Adhinan Khalid, a resident from Muvattupuzha, who allegedly handed over the gold bars to the havildar on his arrival from Dubai. Sources said that the havildar was off duty on Friday and the passenger handed over the contraband to him was in the toilet of the international terminal.
Disciplinary proceedings against the accused can end in dismissal from service. “The accused, who is under suspension, will face show cause for major penalty including dismissal from service,” Mr. Kumar said.
The commissioner also said that strict orders will be issued against the presence of officials who are not on duty at the airport unless they have valid reasons.
