THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: in connection with the gold smuggling case, the Customon Depart summoned Senior CPI-M leader and Kerala Assembly Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan, to appear before it on March 12.

 The news came as a second wave to Sreeramakrishnan on Friday after he came to know that he won't be fielded as a candidate in the Assembly elections to be held on April 6.

A statement filed by the Customs in the Kerala High Court on Thursday said, "Her (Swapna Suresh's) close connection with the Chief Minister and his principal secretary and a personal staff was also revealed by her. She has also stated with clarity about smuggling of foreign currency at the instance of the Chief Minister and the Speaker with the help of the Consulate. She has also clearly stated about the improper and illegal activities of three ministers of the state cabinet and the Speaker. She has further stated about the involvement and the kickbacks received by high-profile persons from various deals.

In December last year, the prime accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case had given a statement in court saying 'big sharks' had a role in helping the accused persons in the case, including Swapna Suresh. Sreeramakrishnan had to face the wrath of the Opposition when it moved a motion demanding his removal in January this year. However, the proposal was rejected after it was put to vote.

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