Thiruvananthapuram: Vinodini Balakrishnan, wife of CPM leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, dismissed the report of the Customs that she received the iPhone from Unitac MD Santhosh Eapen. Reacting to the news, Vinodini stated that she does not know Santhosh Eapen and didn’t receive an iPhone from him.

Meanwhile, Santhosh Eapen revealed that he handed over the iPhone to Swapna Suresh, accused in the gold smuggling case. He also claimed that he has no acquaintance with Vinodini.

The duo responded after the Customs department summoned Vinodini for interrogation over allegedly using the iPhone which was given as bribe for getting Life Mission contract.

The department also served a notice to Vinodini asking to appear for interrogation at their Kochi office on March 10.

“I have purchased 6 phones and handed over them all to Swapna Suresh. I was told that the expensive phone were for gifting the consulate general. I don’t know Vinodini in person,” said Santhosh.

Meanwhile, Vinodini Balakrishnan did not clarify whether Swapna gifted the phone to her.

The Customs alleged that she used an iPhone which was given by Unitac Builders MD Santosh Eapen which was brought as a gift for guests who attended UAE National Day celebrations on December 2, 2019.

The customs checked the IMEI number and found that Vinodini was using the phone. It also found that she contacted Unitac owner from this phone. It is reported that she stopped using the phone after the gold smuggling case turned controversial.

  VINODINI