Swapna Suresh Gets Bail In Kerala Gold Smuggling Case, Stays in Jail for Another Case

Swapna Suresh, a prime accused in the high-profile Kerala gold smuggling case, was granted bail by a Principal Sessions court in Ernakulum, Kochi today, October 13. Suresh got bail in a money laundering case that is being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, she will continue to stay in prison as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also arrested her in another case related to gold smuggling.

Swapna Suresh Granted Bail

The court granted the bail on various conditions like surrender of passport, bond worth Rs.1 lakh, two solvent sureties, and an undertaking to stay put within Ernakulam district. Last week, the court had reserved its order on Suresh’s bail plea as per an NDTV report. She has also secured bail in a gold-smuggling case under the customs department's jurisdiction. The court granted the bail because the department failed to file the final report within the prescribed time frame of 60 days.

Notably, the NIA has also slapped the strict Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Suresh. It claimed that the money earned from the gold-smuggling scam was allegedly used for anti-national/terrorist operations.

What's the Case?

The Kerala gold-smuggling case emerged after the customs department discovered 30 kg gold, worth more than 14 crore rupees in a consignment camouflaged as diplomatic baggage in Thiruvananthapuram on July 5. Three agencies – the NIA, ED, and customs department have been probing the case since it came to light.

As per Times Now, Swapna Suresh admitted to the ED that she, along with other ‘gang’ members, smuggled gold approximately 19 times since November 2019. Furthermore, investigations have revealed that Suresh is connected with many high-profile officials who are also allegedly involved in the gold scam. Previously, she claimed that she had a personal acquaintance with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during her tenure as a secretary to the UAE Consul General. She said, “I am also known to CM Pinarayi Vijayan from the time I was secretary to the Consul General. I believe I am trustworthy and reliable, and that may be the reason I am recommended to the PWC and subsequently to the Space Park project.”