KOCHI: The lack of coordination among various departments has been hindering the investigation into the red sandalwood seizure from ICTT Vallarpadam. Even after establishing Naxal links behind the sandalwood smuggling through the terminal, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials are helpless in proceeding further as the accused were not handed over to them for interrogation. However, DRI has zeroed in on a Nepal citizen behind the smuggling. The DRI officials have asked for the custody of the three main accused in the case. However, the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court (Economic Offence) granted them bail based on Supreme Court judgment. “The DRI cannot do anything. The Directorate cannot look into the ramifications of the case without interrogating the accused,” a senior intelligence official said. DRI suspects the involvement of a Haryana-based businessman, who is a citizen of Nepal, behind the smuggling. He has some links in Aluva, the officials said. The DRI had moved the court requesting the custody of the accused - Anil Kumar, Sibu and Unnikrishnan - for five days. But the court rejected the plea and the three were granted bail. First accused Anil Kumar revealed that he has been engaged in smuggling since 2002. It was the reason why DRI wanted a detailed probe into the smuggling episode, the official said adding that the Directorate was unable to move forward with the investigation.“The only way to bring out the truth is that the police should register a case against the accused under Section 468 of IPC (Forgery for Purpose of Cheating) and take them into custody. There is clear evidence for tampering the customs seal and allegedly changing the cargo after the customs clearance. But the police have not yet registered a case in connection with this,” sources said.“The Customs, DRI, police and Forests Department should join hands to bring out the truth against those who are a threat to the economic security of the nation. The culprits often escape punishment. In such circumstances the existing law should be made stringent and it must be made a non-bailable offence,” special public prosecutor C P Udayabhanu said.Red Sandalwood is a prohibited item for export under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The offenses levelled against the accused come under Section 135 of the Customs Act which is a bailable offence, he said.
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