The Customs Department at Delhi Airport recently arrested two individuals in a case of gold smuggling. One of the accused claimed to be the personal assistant (PA) to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Agents discovered approximately 500 grams of gold in their possession. Shashi Tharoor, however, quickly clarified that the individual caught is not currently employed by him.
According to a news agency, the Delhi Customs Department conducted a search of two people at Delhi Airport on May 29. The search led to the discovery of roughly 500 grams of gold. One of the individuals was identified as Shiv Kumar, who professed to be the PA of Shashi Tharoor. The custom officials are further interrogating the accused.
The Customs Department also released a statement on the case, registering a case of gold smuggling against an individual based on suspicion at the IGI Airport. The accused arrived from Bangkok to Delhi via flight TG-323 on May 29. During the investigation, another individual was also found involved. He had come to the airport to receive the passenger and was also aiding in the smuggling. A gold chain weighing 500 grams was recovered, with an estimated value of 35.22 lakh rupees. The circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the valid aerodrome entry permit by the accused, who was part of the parliament member's protocol team, are being scrutinized.
The Accused Worked Part-Time: Tharoor
Meanwhile, Shashi Tharoor took to social media platform X to issue a clarification. Tharoor expressed his shock upon hearing about the incident linked to a former staff member. He stated that the caught individual had been employed part-time as an airport facility assistant.
'I Do Not Support Wrongdoings'
Shashi Tharoor continued regarding the individual detained at Delhi Airport, 'He is a 72-year-old retired person who regularly undergoes dialysis. The accused was engaged on a compassionate part-time basis. I do not support any wrongdoings and fully back the efforts of the authorities to take necessary actions for the investigation of this matter. Let the law take its course.'
