Ed Arrested Sri Lankan Smugglers: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) took a major action at Bangalore Airport and recovered foreign currency worth Rs 2.12 crore from Sri Lankan citizen Vimalraj Thurisingam. He was trying to illegally take this amount to Colombo. Two more of his companions were involved in this smuggling. Another Sri Lankan citizen Tilipan Jayanthikumar and an Indian citizen Veera Kumar. The ED caught these three and they are being questioned.
Sri Lankan Airlines flight was smuggling
The Bangalore Zonal Office of the ED informed that the three accused were trying to go to Colombo with a flight from Sri Lankan Airlines. Various foreign currencies were recovered from them, whose total price has been estimated at Rs 2.12 crore. On suspicion, the officials searched them and after receiving such a large amount of foreign currency, they were immediately taken into custody.
Case may be related to hawala network
Initial investigation, the ED suspects that the case may be related to the hawala network. Such smuggling is usually smuggled to send money illegally internationally. The investigating agency is trying to find out where such a large amount of foreign exchange came from and what was the real purpose of taking it to Colombo.
Such incidents have happened earlier at Bengaluru Airport
Bengaluru Airport has been in the news in the cases of foreign currency and gold smuggling earlier. In recent months, many major action has been taken against smugglers at the airport. In January 2024, a foreign currency worth crores of rupees was recovered in another case, which was being sent to Dubai.
ED’s strong eye, preparations for strict action
ED and other investigative agencies are trying to get to the bottom of the matter. Officials said that the accused are also being asked whether more people are involved in this racket. If a big network is found behind this smuggling, then there may be further arrests.
Strict foreign exchange law in India
It is illegal to carry a large amount of foreign currency in India without valid permission. Doing so under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and money laundering laws falls under the category of crime.
ED’s appeal, avoid illegal activities
The ED has appealed to the general public not to involve any kind of illegal foreign exchange smuggling. If someone gets information about such suspicious activities, then immediately inform the authorities.
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