New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry ordered a probe by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday, into the airport gold smuggling case at Thiruvananthapuram. The case is relating to the recent seizure of 30kgs gold from a diplomatic cargo meant for the UAE consulate-general office in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala, on the ground that the organised smuggling operation may have serious implications for national security.

According to sources the NIA will be registered a case under sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the unlawful activities (prevention) act 2004, which essentially relate to terrorist act and terror funding. NIA probe will ensure a thorough investigation since the case involves an organised racket with International linkages, and was deemed appropriate given the implications for a national and economic security of India, said a source.

NIA sources said it will start the probe in right way. The case has created a flutter in Kerala owing the alleged involvement of former staffer of UAE consulate-general Swapna Suresh, who during her stint there was often seen moving in key social, political and bureaucratic circles. Infact, after it emerged that she had alleged connections with principle secretary M. Siva Shankar to Kerala Chief Minister, the later was removed from the post on Tuesday.

Swapna Suresh is absconding. She applied for anticipatory bail in the Kerala High Court, claiming that she had contact the airport officer regarding the Cargo on the alleged directions of top diplomat in the UAE consulate-general office, Rashid Khamis Al Shameli. She said she was still working with consulate under work on request basis.

What had made the seizure, estimated to be worth Rs. 15 Cr, particularly interesting that the gold was hidden in diplomatic cargo, which need not be subjected to routine customs examination? The Cargo was listed as bathroom fittings, noodles, biscuits and dates. But the customs had advance inputs about the concealed gold in the Cargo. Sarith Kumar, who was earlier local PRO in the consulate-general office in Thiruvananthapuram, turned upto claim the Cargo claiming he was still with consulate.