Shiv Kumar, the personal assistant of Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram candidate Shashi Tharoor, has been arrested by the Customs Department at Delhi airport on charges of gold smuggling. The arrest took place on Wednesday night and has sparked significant controversy.The Incident UnfoldsAccording to initial reports, Shiv Kumar was apprehended while receiving gold from an individual arriving on an international flight. The Customs officials intercepted Kumar during this exchange, prompting an immediate investigation into the matter.Details of the AllegationShiv Kumar, who was returning from Dubai, was found in possession of gold exceeding the legal limit. The gold was confiscated by Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Sources indicate that Kumar was attempting to take possession of the gold from an associate who had flown in from abroad. This clandestine transfer was interrupted by the vigilant Customs team.Gold Worth Rs 30 Lakh SeizedUpon his detention at the green channel of the Customs area, a substantial quantity of gold was seized from Shiv Kumar. Valued at approximately Rs 30 lakh, the gold has become the focal point of the investigation. Kumar was unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the gold, leading to its confiscation and his subsequent arrest.Ongoing InvestigationThe Customs Department has launched a thorough investigation to unravel the details of this smuggling operation. The involvement of a high-profile political aide has raised eyebrows and is likely to draw significant media attention.Implications and ReactionsThe arrest has already triggered reactions from various political quarters. The Congress party is expected to address the situation, given the high stakes and the proximity of the Lok Sabha elections. This incident underscores the challenges and complexities involved in curbing gold smuggling in India.Previous IncidentsThis incident follows another significant gold smuggling bust. On May 22, five Uzbek nationals were arrested by Customs on similar charges. These individuals had travelled from Dubai to Mumbai and then to Delhi, attempting to evade Customs scrutiny by exiting through the domestic terminal. However, their plan was foiled, and 2.8 kg of gold was recovered from them.
