Accused customs officials to be suspended: Commissioner

Kochi, Oct 19 (UNI) Following the CBI raids on the houses of some Customs officials this morning and the Customs wing at the Nedumbassery International Airport near here last night, at least five Customs officials are being suspended, Commissioner, Customs, D D Ingty said.

''We have a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption in the department. Orders are being issued to suspend and transfer to non-sensitive posts at least five officials allegedly involved in extortion of money from passengers at the airport,'' Mr Ingty told UNI today.

While not disclosing the names immediately, he said these officials were in the ranks of Superintendent, Preventive Officers and Havildars. ''The orders will be issued today itself,'' he added.

An internal inquiry would also be conducted into the matter and the officials concerned would be kept on the ''aggrieved list'' of the department.

The CBI had in a raid at the Nedumbassery Airport last night caught Customs officials red handed with unaccounted foreign currency, including about 300 US Dollars and 250 Dirhams, and Rs 10,000.

The officials caught included one superintendent, one inspector and three havildars, CBI said.

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