Afghan diplomat resigns after caught smuggling gold

MUMBAI: After TOI broke the story of an attempt to smuggle 25 kg gold by

Zakia Wardak

, consul general of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Mumbai, she resigned from the post. Wardak posted a message on X announcing her

resignation

.
She was intercepted at the Mumbai airport by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) last week for allegedly trying to smuggle 25 kg of gold worth Rs 18.6 crore from Dubai to Mumbai on April 25.

On Saturday, she posted a message on X announcing her resignation. TOI broke the story of her attempt to smuggle gold in its Saturday edition.
In her resignation post, she said, "I announce my decision to step away from my role at the Consulate and Embassy of Afghanistan in India, effective May 5, 2024. Over the past year, I have encountered numerous personal attacks and defamation not only directed towards me but also towards my close family and extended relatives. These attacks, which appear to be organized, have severely impacted my ability to effectively operate in my role and have demonstrated the challenges faced by women in Afghan society who strive to modernize and bring positive change amidst ongoing propaganda campaigns.”
Meanwhile, the

DRI officials

are probing where the gold, seized from Wardak, was to be delivered.

Wardak (58), accompanied by her son flew into Mumbai from Dubai on an Emirates flight around 5.45 pm. The duo used the green channel, indicating they were carrying no goods that needed to be declared to customs. They were walking towards the airport exit when the DRI officials stopped them.
Their bags were examined and cleared. It was only after Wardak was taken to a separate room for a physical pat-down check by a woman officer that the gold was discovered. The gold bars were concealed in her customised jacket, leggings, knee caps and waist belt. The DRI officials recovered 25 yellow coloured metal bars, each weighing a kilogram, hidden in the customised clothing worn by Wardak. She was not arrested as she enjoys diplomatic immunity, sources said. No contraband was found on her son.
In her resignation letter, Wardak further stated, “While it is my passion to serve my country and contribute to positive change, I find it necessary to prioritize my well-being and ability to function in normal capacity. Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my current role.”