Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's former aide arrested for smuggling gold

A former member of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's personal staff was detained at Delhi airport for smuggling gold. ANI news agency, quoting sources from Customs, reported on May 30 that he, along with another person, was arrested on May 29 for allegedly smuggling 500 grams of gold, worth over Rs 30 lakh.

It was earlier reported that one of the detained, Shiv Kumar Prasad, was the personal secretary of Tharoor. But the Congress leader later clarified on X that he used to work on a part-time basis, facilitating airport assistance

He further said that he is ready to extend support to authorities to take any necessary action required to investigate the matter.

Reacting to the report, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the CPM and the Congress are an "alliance of gold smugglers".

"First CM Secy involved in Gold smuggling. Now Cong MP 'aide'/PA detained for Gold smuggling. CPM and Cong - both INDI alliance partners - alliance of gold smuggler," he wrote on X.

According to reports, Kumar arrived at Delhi Airport from Dubai. During the checking of his luggage, he was questioned by customs officials about the source of the gold and why he was bringing it to India.

However, he did not provide satisfactory responses, nor could he present the necessary documents. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

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