Pramesh S Jain & Dr B Thomas (Special correspondent)
The Enforcement Directorate officials (ED) has provisionally attached properties worth Rs.3.59 Crore including six immovable properties, 12 vehicles,cash and bank deposits belonging to Suresh Raj A.
Satkunam alias Sabeshan,Ramesh A,and Soundararajan alias Sounder in the case of seizure of drugs and arms from Sri Lankan nationals in Sri Lankan boat named ‘Ravihansi.
On March 18 last year,the Indian Coast Guard intercepted one Sri Lankan fishing boat named ‘Ravihansi’near Minicoy Island,Lakshadweep within the territorial waters of India and on rummaging,it was found that the boat was carrying huge quantity of contraband articles (approximately 300.323 kilograms Heroin) along with Five (05 Nos.)assault rifles and One Thousand (1000 Nos.) 9 mm pistol ammunition.
Subsequently NIA,Kochi taken over the investigation and registered an FIR and thereafter filed a charge sheet against Sri Lankan nationals and others.
ED initiated money laundering investigation on the basis of FIR registered by NIA,Kochi and investigation under PMLA revealed that the drugs and arms smuggled in Sri Lankan boat ‘Ravihansi’ were meant for Suresh,Satkunam and their associates and sale proceeds of the said drugs would be used for purchasing the next consignment of drugs and also for revival of proscribed terrorist organization LTTE.
Investigation further revealed that Suresh Raj A. and Satkunam were involved in similar crime earlier with the active support of Ramesh and Soundarajan.
Suresh Raj A,and Satkunam were convicted earlier in NDPS case.
Criminal case under the schedule offence is pending against Soundarajan.The proceeds of crime worth Rs.3.59 Crore has been obtained from the offence committed by them and has been atacked by ED on Friday.
