India
20 members including Keralites were arrested in a probe conducted by the Saudi Police's secret investigation department. Kerala MLA PTA Rahim’s son and son-in-law are also among those arrested.
Riyad: Left Democratic Front (LDF) MLA PTA Rahim’s son and son-in-law were held at Dammam in Saudi Arabia in a 'hawala' case. Rahim’s son Shabeer TP and daughter’s husband Shabeer Vayoli are the two arrested in the case, along with 18 others. Many, including a member of the Saudi royal family, were arrested based on the probe conducted.
Saudi Police's secret investigation department conducted the probe. When contacted, the MLA said that he has not obtained any information on the arrest. Earlier, allegations were levelled against the MLA in a gold smuggling case. It was alleged that the car the MLA used was gifted by an accused involved in the said case.
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The opposition had alleged that the MLA has many illegal money dealings. Koduvally Muslim League committee had complained to the chief minister then. There were allegations that CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan too had used a luxurious car of Karat Faizal, the accused in the gold smuggling case for the Jana Jagratha Yatra organised by the party.
Meantime, the opposition now has planned to make this a raging issue to be raised at the Assembly session, which is to be convened soon. The Muslim League and the Congress have alleged that the CPI(M) is trying to protect the MLA and other party leaders involved in the gold smuggling case. Reports say that they are planning to intensify the agitation in the coming days.
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