ED Interrogates Gokulam Gopalan, Co-Producer of Empuraan for the Second Time
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has interrogated Gokulam Gopalan for the second time regarding alleged financial irregularities unrelated to the film Empuraan. Multiple investigations are ongoing, focusing on violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act and potential fraud complaints.
Key Takeaways
- Gokulam Gopalan interrogated twice by ED.
- Investigation not linked to Empuraan.
- Allegations involve Foreign Exchange Management Act violations.
- Gopalan claims no wrongdoing.
- Criticism of the film has incited political backlash.
Kochi, April 7 (NationPress) As the Enforcement Directorate agents questioned Gokulam Gopalan, the co-producer of the controversial film Empuraan, for the second consecutive day, it has been emphasized that the investigation is not related to the film itself.
On Saturday, ED officials conducted searches at Gopalan's residences and offices in Chennai and Kozhikode, where he underwent several hours of questioning in Chennai.
On Monday afternoon, Gopalan was seen arriving at the ED office in Kochi, and after more than six hours, he emerged stating, “The ED has every right to inquire, and I have provided answers to all their questions. I have committed no wrongdoing,” declared Gopalan.
The ED has indicated that the inquiries stem from findings that Gopalan’s chit fund enterprise received Rs 371.80 crore in cash and Rs 220.74 crore via cheque from individuals residing abroad, along with substantial cash disbursements to these persons, which contravenes regulations set forth by the Reserve Bank of India.
Gokulam has made significant investments in his chit fund operations, media companies, sports teams, and films.
While the ED is pursuing its investigation into Gopalan, Income Tax authorities have issued notices to Empuraan's director Prithviraj (who also stars in the film) and another co-producer, Antony Perumbavoor. Both national investigative bodies have clarified that these operations are not related to the film's impact.
The investigation focuses on purported breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) amounting to Rs 1,000 crore.
It encompasses suspected dealings with specific non-resident Indians and unauthorized financial operations.
Alongside FEMA violations, the agency is also looking into multiple allegations of fraud against Gokulam’s enterprise for possible infringements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Issues arose for the individuals connected to Empuraan following a harsh critique published by the RSS affiliated Organiser, which accused the film of disseminating falsehoods regarding the Gujarat riots and damaging national institutions.
Since then, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the newly appointed CPI-M general secretary, and leading figures in the Congress party have condemned the Centre for allegedly weaponizing national agencies against dissenters.
