A senior male crew member of the same airline was detained by DRI detectives on Friday for his alleged "significant role" in enlisting the female crew member in the gold smuggling incident, which involved an Air India Express flight. This action marked the beginning of a thorough investigation into the incident.

Suhail Thanalot, a senior crew member of AIE and a native of Thillenkeri in the Kannur region, was reportedly caught after the DRI gathered information and proof about his role in the gold smuggling incident, reported PTI.