[Kerala Gold Smuggling] Ernakulam Economic Offences Court denies Bail To M Sivasankar in case registered by Customs

Sivasankar was implicated for his role in the smuggling of gold through diplomatic channels.

M. Sivasankar

Bar & Bench

The Court of the Magistrate handling Economic Offences at Ernakulam on Wednesday declined bail to M Sivasankar, former Kerala Principal Secretary to the Kerala Chief Minister. (M Sivasankar v. Customs)

Considering the unprecedented nature of offence having international ramifications, he is likely to make use of the help of 'big shots' with whom he has close nexus, to shatter the investigation.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate for Economic Offences Deepu C.

In his order denying bail to M. Sivsankar, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate for Economic Offences Deepu C. declared "Considering the unprecedented nature of offence having international ramifications, he is likely to make use of the help of 'big shots' with whom he has close nexus, to shatter the investigation."

Sivasankar was implicated by the Customs for his alleged role in smuggling gold through diplomatic channels.

Sivasankar is presently in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), facing charges under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act for the gold smuggling case and supposed kickbacks from the LIFE Mission project.

The former bureaucrat has been in the custody of the ED since October 28. His bail application in connection with the ED case is still pending for orders before the Kerala High Court.

[Gold Smuggling case] Sivasankar has influence, wherewithal, power, cannot be allowed bail: ASG SV Raju to Kerala High Court

Sivasankar’s role in the case came under the scanner on account of his relations with some of the accused in the gold smuggling case - Swapna Suresh and PR Sarith.

His earlier bail application before the Kerala High Court was vehemently opposed by the customs department as well as the ED.