Swarna Shukla-
Published On: October 8, 2021 at 13:59 IST
The Kerala High Court quashed the continued Preventive Detention of gold smuggling accused, Swapna Suresh under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COEFEPOSA).
A Division Bench of Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Mohammed Nias CP allowed the Plea filed by Suresh’s mother seeking quashing of the Detention Order.
The Plea highlighted that Suresh is the only woman in Detention under the COFEPOSA in the State of Kerala, and stated that she has suffered from cardiac issues, epilepsy and depression and her health puts her in the risk of contracting COVID-19.
On these grounds, the Petition sought quashing of detention was allowed by the Court.
Swapna Suresh is a former employee of the UAE consulate at Thiruvananthapuram, and is the main accused in gold smuggling case, where gold was worth Rs.14.82 Crore.
In July 2020, as a result of investigations conducted by various agencies into money laundering, illegal financial transactions and gold smuggling through diplomatic channels, suspected offenders along with Suresh were arrested.
However, the Case is still being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Customs Department.
Also Read: Kerala HC grants Bail to second Accused in Gold Smuggling Attempt Case