Key Facts
Kerala police have busted a network involved in gold smuggling and a planned dacoity at Calicut International Airport in Karipur. The case came to light after the arrest of 16 people, including a woman, who were allegedly part of rival gangs attempting to seize smuggled gold from an international passenger who arrived on June 7.
Acting on a tip-off, police apprehended the suspects from the airport's parking area. They had gathered in five groups to abduct the passenger and rob him of gold and cash. Two cars, a scooter, and 14 mobile phones were seized from them. WhatsApp chats recovered from the phones revealed detailed planning for the operation.
Details of the Conspiracy
According to police, the group acted on instructions from Ansar Kaippekandi, a Kannur native based in Saudi Arabia, and Ali Akbar of Parappanangadi. Both are suspected to have coordinated the operation from abroad. The investigation took a turn when police traced Mohammed Salman Salih from Munduparamba, Malappuram, who had arrived on a flight the same day and was reported missing by his family. He was later taken into custody.
During questioning, Salman allegedly confessed that he diverted a smuggled gold consignment instead of delivering it to the person named by its owner. He was offered ₹40 lakh to hand over the gold to another party, but chose to share it with associates. Salman left the airport with associates and went to a house at Mukkam, where Sadhiq P.P. of Parappanangadi joined them. They then travelled to Kochi, rented a room, opened the trolley bag containing the gold, and divided the booty. Based on his statement, police arrested Sadhiq and remanded both men in custody.
Impact and Further Investigation
Police are working to recover the gold and identify others involved in the network. The case points to a larger syndicate where smuggling and robbery gangs compete for control of gold consignments at Karipur airport. Further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
What Readers Should Know
- The incident highlights the nexus between gold smuggling and organized crime at international airports.
- Police have recovered crucial evidence including WhatsApp chats that detail the planning.
- The main conspirators are based in Saudi Arabia, indicating an international dimension to the network.
FAQ
What was the gold smuggling dacoity network at Calicut Airport?
A network where rival gangs planned to rob smuggled gold from an international passenger arriving at Calicut International Airport on June 7.
How many people were arrested in the Calicut Airport gold smuggling case?
Kerala police arrested 16 people, including a woman, in connection with the planned dacoity and gold smuggling.
Who are the main accused in the Calicut Airport gold smuggling case?
The main accused are Ansar Kaippekandi, based in Saudi Arabia, and Ali Akbar of Parappanangadi, who allegedly coordinated the operation.
What role did Mohammed Salman Salih play in the gold smuggling?
Salman, who arrived from Saudi Arabia, diverted a smuggled gold consignment and shared it with associates instead of delivering it to the intended recipient.