Customs impose charges under Cofeposa act on Sandeep Nair; NIA informs its displeasure

KOCHI: NIA informs its displeasure to customs over the imposition of charges under Cofeposa (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities) act on gold smuggling accused Sandeep Nair. NIA was moving to make Sandeep Nair as an approver in the case. NIA holds the view that Sandeep Nair’s testimony is very crucial in the case as he has links with other chief accused in the case such as Swapna Suresh and KT Rameez. Therefore NIA expressed its disapproval to the unexpected move made by the customs department.

NIA, customs department and ED have approached the court to record Sandeep testimonial in discreet. Meanwhile, the court has asked NIA officials whether the testimonial is to be recorded by a group of officials or by just a single officer of the agency. The agency will inform the court of its decision by Wednesday.

Sandeep’s testimony contains all the necessary details on gold smuggling case. However, due to the Cofeposa charges imposed by Customs, Sandeep might have to serve a jail term of one year. NIA suspects if the customs move will hinder their attempts to turn Sandeep as an approver in the case.