THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan alleged that the central agency closed the gold smuggling case when it saw that the probe was reaching the BJP. Kodiyeri's response comes against the backdrop of Swapna Suresh's revelations.

"This is a case that was once investigated by central agencies. Everyone knows the sender and recipient of the gold. But the investigating agency did not catch them. If the case is properly investigated, it will reach out to some people associated with the BJP. The investigation was terminated with that.

Kodiyeri said the government would not give in to the opposition parties' agitation in the state. "Attempts are being made to tarnish the image of the Chief Minister and the party. Earlier, Swapna had said that the Chief Minister was not involved in gold smuggling. All the stories being spread now will be short-lived and that it is up to the party to take action if any leader makes a mistake", he said.

Kodiyeri also demanded that party workers come forward to convince anyone who has misunderstood the issue.