![Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Vinodini](http://media.assettype.com/nationwide%2F2021-03%2F46b55b79-f7f1-4539-a2ef-20331a3c8826%2Fimg_2926.jpg?rect=0%2C0%2C1068%2C601&w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
The Customs department has yet again summoned former Secretary of CPM Kodiyeri Balakrishnan's wife SR Vinodini in connection with the gold smuggling case. She has been asked to appear at the Kochi office on March 23.
Out of the six iPhones bought by Unitac MD Santhosh Eapan, the Customs Department believe that Vinodini is using one of the iPhone worth Rs 1.13 lakh. Customs had summoned Vinodini earlier this month, but she failed to appear before them.
Vinodini had earlier denied using the iPhone gifted by Eapan and claimed she did not know him. Eapen confirmed that he had handed over the iPhone to Swapna Suresh, the main accused in the gold smuggling case. He further added that he has no acquaintance with Kodiyeri's wife Vinodini.
Eapen confirmed that he purchased six phones and handed all of them over to Swapna Suresh, who told him that the expensive phones were for gifting the consulate general.
The Customs had already alleged that after checking the IMEI number, they found that Vinodini was using the phone. Reportedly, they have found that she contacted Santhosh Eapen using this phone.
The probing agencies have found that Santhosh Eapan bought these iPhones to bribe Swapna Suresh for his involvement in Dollar smuggling, gold smuggling case and Life Mission case.