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The action comes after Customs busted a gold smuggling racket in which 267 kg gold, worth at least Rs 167 crore, was allegedly smuggled in via a souvenir shop at the Chennai airport’s international terminal. (Image: PTI/File)
The suspended officials allegedly took a cut from the smugglers, collected gold from couriers arriving at the airport, smuggled it out to receivers, and also allowed flyers to pass through without proper verification of passports or documents
Days after Customs claimed to have busted a cartel for allegedly smuggling in gold via a souvenir shop as a front, a number of immigration officials were suspended at Chennai airport for their suspected links with the smugglers.
The government, however, did not disclose the number of officials suspended. A top Intelligence Bureau official, however, said at least three officials were placed under suspension. But, airport sources said there were many others.
In a recent development, several immigration officials have been suspended at Chennai airport over suspected ties to a gold smuggling operation. The probe follows the discovery of a smuggling racket that funneled 267 kg of gold, valued at over Rs 167 crore, through a souvenir shop at the airport. The suspended officials are believed to have facilitated the smuggling by accepting bribes, handling gold shipments, and neglecting passport checks for travelers.
The government has refrained from disclosing the exact number of officials suspended, sparking speculation about the extent of the illicit network. Sources indicate that the malpractice involved more individuals than officially acknowledged. This revelation comes amidst efforts to crack down on corruption within airport operations and prevent similar incidents in the future. The implicated officers are under investigation for their involvement in the smuggling ring, shedding light on systemic vulnerabilities. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.\
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