THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress on Wednesday again sought to corner Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the gold smuggling case, asking him why was he "shielding" IAS officer M Sivasankar in the matter.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala told the media that Pinarayi is fearful of something since the gold smuggling case being probed by the NIA has reached his office.

Sivasankar was removed as CM's Principal Secretary and IT Department Secretary after the case came to light, though Pinarayi has not favoured suspension of the IAS officer.

"Whom do you fear Pinarayi? Why are you shielding Sivasankar, who was grilled by the Customs for several hours? His alleged links with the arrested accused are now known to all, but you continue to shield a tainted high officer who reigned supreme for more than four years in your office. This means you have something to hide," Chennithala said.

The Congress will hold a state-wide protest on July 24 to demand Pinarayi’s resignation.

The Congress leader alleged that Pinarayi now misused his daily COVID briefings to abuse people, the media and the opposition.

“The CM is trying to hide behind a probe ordered by the Chief Secretary against Sivasankar. Who is he trying to fool? Even Pinarayi may be called in for questioning by the NIA. What information will the Chief Secretary probe bring out? Pinarayi has to quit first and then face the probe," added Chennithala.