Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday addressed the recent arrest of his former personal assistant, who was detained at Delhi’s IGI airport with 500 grams of gold. Tharoor clarified that the individual, Shiv Kumar Prasad, is a 72-year-old retiree retained on a part-time basis for compassionate reasons. Tharoor expressed his full support for the authorities and emphasized his stance against any wrongdoing.

Reports surfaced on Wednesday, that Prasad was apprehended while receiving gold from a passenger arriving from Dubai. Customs officials revealed that Prasad, holding an aerodrome entry permit card, was caught at the airport premises in the act of accepting a gold packet from the international traveler.

Shashi Tharoor, currently campaigning in Dharamshala, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his reaction: “While I am in Dharamshala for campaigning purposes, I was shocked to hear of an incident involving a former member of my staff who has been rendering part-time service to me in terms of airport facilitation assistance. He is a 72-year-old retiree undergoing frequent dialysis and was retained on a part-time basis on compassionate grounds. I do not condone any alleged wrongdoing and fully support the authorities in their efforts to take any necessary action as may be required to investigate the matter. The law must take its own course.”

The incident has prompted a police investigation to determine the extent and nature of the smuggling operation. Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar quickly reacted to the news, criticizing the Congress and CPM alliance. He posted on X: “First CM Secy involved in Gold smuggling, now Cong MP ‘aide’/PA detained for Gold smuggling. CPM and Cong – both INDIA alliance partners – alliance of gold smugglers,” referring to the ongoing controversies surrounding members of the political parties.