Corroboration of accomplice statements is essential before personal penalties for alleged gold-smuggling abetment can be sustained.

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....Personal penalties for alleged abetment of gold smuggling require proof beyond uncorroborated accomplice statements and suspicion. Where no incriminating article or alleged syndicate mobile connection was recovered from the Customs Hawaldar, the accomplice statement lacked corroboration in material particulars. Call records indicating communication with the Superintendent before seizure supported the defence that information had been conveyed, while the Department did not investigate whether other officers had been alerted. Tower-location evidence suggesting use of a mobile connection could not establish involvement. The personal penalties were therefore set aside with consequential relief.....