Afghanistan diplomat caught with gold at Mumbai airport resigns | Mumbai News - Times of India

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MUMBAI: Consul general of the Islamic Republic of

Afghanistan

in Mumbai

Zakia Wardak

announced her resignation on X hours after TOI's report appeared on Saturday. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is probing her earlier trips, particularly in the past six months following information raising doubts about her conduct. She was not arrested as she enjoys diplomatic immunity.

A jeweller suspected to be part of asmuggling racket is also under the scanner, TOI has learnt.

Wardak posted her statement on X in Dari, Pashto and English. She said, "It is with great regret that I an nounce 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 to wards 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."

Wardak said, "The persistent and coordinated nature of these attacks, aimed at defaming my character and undermining my efforts, have surpassed a tolerable threshold. It has become increasingly clear that the public narrative is unfairly targeting the only female representative within this system, rather than focusing on constructive assistance and support". She 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." Her post said, "While attacks on me and my character were not altogether surprising, as being in public life is something I had prepared myself for, I was unprepared for the toll it took on those close to me. It is not fair to subject them to such unwarranted and horribly unfair experiences."

She further stated, "I sincerely hope for a future where women in leadership roles are supported and respected, where opportunities for progress are embraced rather than met with hostility and defamation."

DRI officials are probing where the gold seized from Wardak was to be delivered. In the recent past, DRI had busted several syndicates that had in place a well-oiled system, extending to facilities for melting gold to remove foreign markings.

The seized gold was brought and kept in a govt strongroom at Ballard Pier. 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. No contraband was found on her son. Wardak was not carrying any legal documents for possession of the foreign-origin gold.