Kerala Chief Minister informed the Assembly that the Customs officials indecently behaved with the Assistant Protocol officer Harikrishnan who had appeared before the department officials in connection with the Dollar Smuggling Case on January 5.
Earlier, Harikrishnan had handed over a letter to Chief Secretary who in turn forwarded the letter to the Centre. On January 11, the Kerala Chief Secretary had written a letter to the Union Finance Secretary describing the experiences of the Assistant protocol officer when he appeared before the customs.
Meanwhile, the Centre sought an explanation from the Customs following the state’s complaint that Harikrishnan was mentally tortured during the questioning. The Customs, however, said that Harikrishnan was not treated badly by investigating officers. They further added that the information, including the questioning, was completely captured on camera and the entire premise of their office is under camera surveillance.
The letter sent by the Chief Secretary was part of the state government’s move to sabotage the case, claims the officers. The department clarifies that the information in this matter will be handed over to the Centre. However, the letter sent by the Chief Secretary had also mentioned the name of the customs official who abused and threatened Harikrishnan. In the letter, the Chief Secretary further added that an impartial and timely inquiry should be conducted and necessary steps should be taken to prevent further such incidents.