Kochi/Kannur: The brain behind the gang that robs gold smugglers is based in Dubai investigators have confirmed. Investigators found that the gang led by Arjun Ayanki had robbed smugglers 22 times in the past. The Koduvally-based smugglers however said that they had been robbed 25 times. Ayanki was arrested after interrogation at Kochi on Monday evening. The probe launched after the death of five persons at Ramanattukara in Kozhikode district in a road accident on June 21 meanwhile has brought to light multiple tales of smuggling betrayal revenge and bloodshed involving several gangs. The investigation into the gold smuggling rackets revealed that the agents bought gold from Dubai and passed them on to carriers who represented the smugglers. The Dubai gang often turned double agents and tipped off the robbers about the carriers arriving in India with the gold. Playing double agent was lucrative the probe revealed. The Dubai agent received commission from the smugglers as well as the robbers. Information on those rackets daring to bargain were passed on to the Customs and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for a reward. Investigators learned about the modus operandi of double agents from Mohammad Shafeeq who was arrested at Karipur with 2.33 kilograms of smuggled gold on June 21. It has been suspected that a man Jaleel played the double agent between the Koduvally smugglers and Ayankis gang. Jaleel reportedly handed over the gold meant for the Koduvally gang to Shafeeq the carrier and simultaneously informed Ayanki of the precious metal being brought in through illegal means. He even introduced the carrier to Ayanki and facilitated bargaining between the two men for a deal. It was not known whether Jaleel had turned the tables on Shafeeq also by informing the Customs. If he had informed the authorities he would get legal protection extended to those providing credible information helping in preventing smuggling of contraband. Besides Jaleel two others Saleem and Muhammad too have been identified as part of the Dubai gang. It has been suspected that Saleem was a member of a gang that had arranged gold for K T Ramees the kingpin of the racket that had smuggled in gold through diplomatic channels. The gangs robbing smugglers have been active in Thiruvananthapuram Kochi and Kozhikode airports. They have links with contract (quotation) gangs in Cherpulassery Perumbavoor and Attingal. Interestingly the gangs also bargained with the same smugglers if they failed in selling the gold. They established good contacts with political parties to avoid the police from intervening in their affairs. It has been suspected that Ayankis gang had more members with active CPM links. Investigators meanwhile were suspecting that the Cherppulassery gangs intention was to kidnap and murder Ayanki on June 21. The gang was contracted by the Koduvally-based smugglers who had lost much gold to Ayanki. The gangs plans went awry when the car in which Cherpulassery men were travelling smashed into a cement-laden lorry at Ramanattukara killing five. The car was reportedly chasing Ayanki who was returning from the Kozhikode airport after learning about Shafeeqs arrest. Meanwhile it has been suspected that the voice in an audio clip about robbing the smuggled gold belonged to Sreelal an aide of Ayanki. Police said they were not probing C Sajesh whose car Ayanki had used. The car was found hidden in the thickets on a hillock opposite the Medical College Hospital at Pariyaram on Sunday.

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