Immigration SI held in gold smuggling racket

The airport officials had intensified the monitoring of the airport through CCTV cameras following a marked increase in gold smuggling cases via Tiruchy. On Wednesday night, customs officials checked the passengers who arrived here by an Air Asia service from Malaysia. 

The activities of Sadik Ali from Lalgudi in Tiruchy raised suspicion after he handed over his baggage to Balaji Baskar, sub inspector (Immigration). Then, he rushed out of the airport. Sensing that something was amiss, officials checked the baggage that was handed over to Balaji Baskar and were shocked to find 16 gold biscuits each weighing 100 g approximately worth Rs 40 lakh. 

During subsequently interrogations, the sub inspector confessed that he had helped many passengers in moving gold consignments out of the airport in the past for a commission. Following this Balaji’s house was searched and based on the leads given by him Sadik Ali was also arrested. 

In a follow-up departmental action, Balaji was served with  a suspension notice, sources said. Of late, Tiruchy airport has been witnessing several gold and a few drug smuggling cases. Electronic articles from overseas to Tiruchy and other contraband were also smuggled via Tiruchy during several instances.