Kochi: An NIA special court in Kochi has dismissed the bail plea of Swapna Suresh, a key accused in the sensational Kerala gold smuggling case.
The court said that provisions of the anti-terrror law, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), will apply in her case.
Swapna Sureshās counsel opposed the application of UAPA against her client arguing that the case pertains to an ‘economic offence and is not terror related’.
The NIA opposed it, saying major proceeds from smuggling were used to fund anti-national activities in south India.
The court also accepted the submissions of the NIA that the smuggling of gold will impact the economic stability of the nation.
“Bail petition dismissed on the basis of the case diary and evidence. There is prima facie evidence that Swapna Suresh was involved in gold smuggling,” it said.
“It is prima facie clear that the crime was committed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. There is also evidence that Swapna Suresh interfered on the release of cargo. Terrorist activities also include gold smuggling,” it said.