KERALA – Kochi: Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case, was released from jail on Saturday after serving 16 months in prison.

Swapna Suresh was granted bail by the Kerala High Court on November 2 in the case filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Bail was granted to her on the basis of a Rs 25 lakh bond and two solvent sureties. Swapna Suresh had been in judicial custody since the NIA arrested her on July 11, 2020.

The smuggling of gold into Kerala through diplomatic channels is the subject of the Kerala gold smuggling case. It was discovered after the customs department in Thiruvananthapuram busted 30 kg gold worth Rs 14.82 crore smuggled in a consignment disguised as diplomatic baggage on July 5, 2019. The Enforcement Directorate, the National Investigative Agency (NIA), and the Customs Department are all looking into it.

Gold smuggling case: Swapna Suresh is granted bail by the Kerala High Court.

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