Afghan top diplomat in India steps down after alleged smuggling of 25kg gold

Afghan top diplomat in India was alleged of smuggling 25kg gold nearly $2 million worth into the country.

Zakia Wardak, the Afghan Consul-General in India’s Mumbai, has stepped down following the incident.

As reported, she was not arrested because of her diplomatic immunity.

Zakia Wardak confirmed her resignation in a post on her official X handle, stating: “It is with great regret that I announce my decision to step away from my role at the Consulate and Embassy of Afghanistan in India, effective May 5, 2024.”

Following Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi shut down in November, more than two years after the Taliban returned to power in Kabul following the collapse of the Western-backed government, Wardak became the country’s most senior representative in India.

According to the Indian media reports, the consul general of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Zakia Wardak was reportedly caught by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials at the Mumbai airport, trying to smuggle 25 kilograms of gold worth $2.23 million.

As reported, Wardak was travelling with her son on April 25 from Dubai to India. The duo used the green channel, indicating they weren’t carrying any dutiable goods. In total, they carried 5 trolley bags, 1 handbag, 1 sling bag & a neck pillow but their luggage was examined and cleared by the authorities.

However, the gold bars were discovered once Wardak was taken to a separate room for a physical pat-down check.