KOTTAYAM: There was pressure on ED to involve CM in gold smuggling case and the investigative agencies expected statements against CM by arresting me, revealed M Sivasankar, former Principal Secretary of Chief Minister in his autobiography. He was arrested and later returned to service after susupension. Controversy erupted even before the release of his autobiography 'Ashudhamavu oru aana', in which he explains the torture he faced.

Shivshankar was arrested on February 3 last year. It's been one year since the incident and he shares his experiences, allegations and disclosures until his release from prison in the book.

The Additional Solicitor General lied in the High Court that he was the 'King Pin' in the gold smuggling case. When the diplomatic baggage was detained by customs, Swapna asked for help, but he did not give it. The allegation in the Chief Secretary's report that he recommended for the appointment of Swapna at Space Park is also incorrect.

There were planned attempts to direct the gold smuggling case to me and then to the government. I had a three year acquaintance with Swapna. When the customs diplomatic luggage was stopped at the Thiruvananthapuram airport, she sought help by calling as well as by meeting in person. I replied that I could not interfere in the customs proceedings. Swapna said that the luggage contains items sent to her friend Sarit by someone without paying duty. When I found out that Swapna was involved in gold smuggling, I was stunned, says Sivasankar.

K Surendran and Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the CM's office tried to release the luggage detained at the airport. There was a conspiracy to save those who sent the gold and to trap him. The opinion changed after the first phase of investigation by National Investigation Agency . The statements were leaked to the media by the National Investigation Agency. The media was thirsty for his blood. ED threatened to include Dr Suresh of Triveni Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram in the case.

Sivasankar asks several questions in the book, it include Who sent and bought the gold smuggled? Who made the financial gain? , Who wanted to divert attention by framing him as criminal?, Who were included in the conspiracy?