In a turning point into the development of the Kerala gold smuggling scandal, one of the key accused Sandeep Nair has filed an application in Kochi NIA court stating that he is ready to give a confession statement under CrPC 164 & turn approver in the case. NIA will record his confession statement before the CJM Court. The NIA court in Kochi has granted permission to record his confession statement on his request.
Following the petition, NIA Court Judge P Krishna Kumar has examined him via a video conferencing. Sandeep has been told that by admitting the crime, there is no guarantee of getting a pardon in the case or that he will be made an approver.
On September 22, the prime accused had agreed to provide a confession statement admitting to the crime in Court. He was granted bail on the same day by Kochi Court but was not allowed to leave the Viyyur Central Jail, in Thrissur district as he was accused in other cases filed by NIA.
The Kerala gold smuggling scam came to light after the Customs department seized 30 kg gold from an air cargo consignment from the UAE to the country’s consulate in Thiruvananthapuram on July 5 and he was arrested along with Swapna Suresh by the NIA from Bengaluru on July 11. NIA had searched his house in Thiruvananthapuram and found some incriminating material. He was also accused in the case registered by Customs and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Kerala: Sandeep Nair, the fourth accused in Kerala gold smuggling case, has filed an application in Kochi NIA court stating that he is ready to give a confession statement under CrPC 164 & turn approver in the case. NIA will record his confession statement before the CJM Court
— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2020
