While the state government said that ADGP Manoj Abraham will probe the incident, state minister EP Jayarajan alleged that commotion is caused by the Opposition.

The fire broke out on the second floor in a section of the secretariat housing the state protocol office, which has been under the scanner of the NIA and other central agencies probing the smuggling of gold through diplomatic cargo.

The opposition Congress-led UDF in the state has alleged attempts to sabotage the investigation into the gold smuggling case.

Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala and other congress leaders met the Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan today and demanded an independent probe into the incident.

Chief Secretary Vishwas Mehta told reporters that no crucial file had been destroyed and there would be a detailed investigation

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Pinarayi Vijayan in his letter said that the case had serious implications as it undermines the nation’s economy.

In his letter to PM, Mr.Vijayan said, “The fact that the attempt to smuggle huge quantity of gold was concealed in diplomatic baggage makes the matter extremely serious. It is learnt that customs officials are conducting an inquiry into the incident. The case has serious implications as this undermines the economy of the nation.”

“It is requested that an effective and coordinated investigation into this incident by all central agencies concerned is the need of the hour. The scope of the probe should cover all aspects from the source to the end utilization. Every link of this crime should be unravelled so that such incidents do not recur.” the Chief Minister said in his letter.

Earlier Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister alleging his role in the gold smuggling case. He also wrote a letter to Prime Minister stating that the entire matter will severely impact India’s national security.

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