Several immigration officials at Chennai airport have been suspended amid allegations of involvement in a gold smuggling network. While initial reports suggested three officials were under suspension, airport sources indicate that a larger number have faced disciplinary action. This discrepancy allegedly aims to avoid scrutiny from agencies like the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs.
The suspended officials are accused of colluding with smugglers, accepting bribes to facilitate the smuggling of gold from arriving passengers and bypassing proper document checks. An Intelligence Bureau official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the investigation into the involvement of three officers, including Saravanan, who was on deputation to the IB. The identities of the other two officers were not disclosed.
According to sources, the suspensions were prompted by intelligence indicating lax enforcement of document verification protocols, particularly under the Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) category. The investigation is also exploring potential financial trails. However, officials clarified that current suspensions are based on procedural lapses rather than confirmed involvement in smuggling.
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These developments precede a recent Customs operation that uncovered a significant gold smuggling operation worth approximately Rs 167 crore, operated through a souvenir shop as a front within the airport’s international terminal. Similar offenses have been detected in the past, leading to suspensions of implicated personnel, including state police officers serving on deputation to the IB.
The ongoing investigation seeks to establish the extent of the alleged smuggling network and any official complicity beyond procedural breaches.
