KOCHI: The Personnel and Training Department (DOPT) of the central government has launched an investigation against M Sivasankar, a senior civil servant and accused in a gold smuggling case, for writing an autobiography without prior permission. The investigation is based on a preliminary report by the Intelligence Bureau that the book's content is questioning the credibility of the Central Investigation Agency and the Additional Solicitor General.

The Additional Solicitor General of India, who appeared for the central agency in the case, has been described as a 'government lawyer lying to the court'. The report states that this is a serious breach of discipline and calls into question the integrity of the judgment of the court which accepted the arguments of the Solicitor General. The book also defamed the customs and enforcement directorate, which is investigating against Sivasankar in cases of gold smuggling, dollar smuggling and money laundering.

The union ministry said it was a violation of the All India Service Rules and Code of Conduct to make such remarks in the event that the investigation is not completed and the trial does not begin. There are indications that the report of the Intelligence Bureau says that M Sivasankar, former principal secretary to the chief minister of Kerala, is trying to worsen relations between the central and state governments. As soon as Sivasankar resumed duty, it was reported that references to cases that had not been completed were published without informing the government. After the preliminary inquiry, the union ministry will seek an explanation from the state government and Sivasankar.