New Delhi, Aug 19: In the wake of the arrest of two of its officials by the DRI for their alleged involvement in a gold smuggling racket at the Mumbai international airport, the CISF has suspended eight officials while a senior Commandant has been shunted to a Naxal-affected area.
Following the incident that took place last week, the force headquarters here has taken stern measures and has placed under suspension two Sub-inspectors (who were arrested by the DRI), while it has also suspended six other junior rank personnel after the incident came to light.
Among these men is an Assistant Commandant (local rank) official who has been demoted from his rank. “We have suspended eight personnel including the two who were arrested in the case at first. We are taking this incident very seriously,” CISF chief Rajiv told PTI.
Sources said the CISF DG also ordered an immediate transfer of senior Commandant of the Mumbai airport Ajay Kumar to a “hard area” posting in Chhattisgarh's Naxal hotbed of Dantewada.
The force that guards the sensitive airports of the country has also asked for a clarification from the earlier DIG who was looking after the security of the airport. The DIG had proceeded on transfer to North East just before this case came to light.
Sources said a senior IG from the headquarters here is camping in Mumbai to further probe the role of other personnel in any possible alleged criminal activity while being deployed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai.
The CISF has categorised the Mumbai airport as “highly sensitive”.
A senior IPS officer who officiates as the IG (Airport) here has also been replaced by a new officer, however, officials termed this move as “routine”. Two CISF officials stationed at the Mumbai airport were among five persons arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence last week for their alleged involvement in a gold smuggling racket.
Over 10 kg of gold worth Rs three crore was seized from the five men.
The DRI in Mumbai had said they had “busted a major gold smuggling racket with the arrest of five persons, including two CISF officials”.
More CISF personnel are under the scanner in this connection, DRI officials had said.
Explaining the modus operandi of the accused, the officials had said the smugglers would inform the CISF officers through “carriers” about the flight they have taken and its arrival at the Chhatrapati Shivaji airport. On August 10, DRI officials had intercepted one of the CISF officers when he was carrying the bag containing the gold outside the airport.
The “passenger” who handed over the bag to the CISF officer was also intercepted, besides the alleged ring leader of the racket and another CISF officer- who were waiting outside to take the delivery of the consignment.
Another passenger carrying 4.7 kg gold jewellery valued at Rs 1.4 crore was held on August 11 by DRI officials.
