CPI-M MP Radhakrishnan Claims ED Interrogation Lasted Just One Hour
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Synopsis
CPI-M leader K. Radhakrishnan refutes claims of extended questioning by the ED, stating he was only questioned for an hour due to prior submission of documents. The investigation revolves around a major bank fraud case involving numerous party officials.
Key Takeaways
- K. Radhakrishnan contested media reports about his interrogation duration.
- He clarified that he provided all necessary information to the ED.
- The investigation relates to the Rs 300 crore Karuvannur bank fraud.
- Numerous CPI-M leaders have been questioned regarding this case.
- The ED has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 10.98 crore.
Kochi, April 9 (NationPress) Senior CPI-M leader and former Kerala Minister K. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday refuted media claims stating he was interrogated for several hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), labeling them a "false narrative".
"I was questioned for just an hour. I had previously submitted all necessary information to the ED, which facilitated the process and allowed ample time for them to validate my statements," remarked Radhakrishnan, who also served as a former Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Radhakrishnan arrived at the ED office at approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, departing around 8 p.m., which sparked rumors that he had been interrogated for an extended period.
He was called in relation to the over Rs 300 crore Karuvannur Service Co-operative Bank fraud case, involving multiple senior CPI-M leaders from the state and Thrissur district.
To date, 53 individuals have been implicated in the case, with many having been arrested and subsequently released on bail.
Radhakrishnan’s questioning happens as the ED is gearing up to submit its final charge sheet.
When the fraud was exposed, Radhakrishnan was functioning as the CPI-M’s Thrissur district secretary, which is a primary reason for his summons.
“I clearly stated that no new bank account was opened in the name of the CPI-M Thrissur district committee during my tenure. I believe the ED officials were persuaded by my explanation,” he mentioned.
“I was summoned, and I have given my testimony. Now, whether I become a witness or an accused is for the ED to determine,” added the soft-spoken only CPI-M Lok Sabha MP from Kerala at present.
Other prominent CPI-M leaders who have been interrogated in this case include former ministers A.C. Moideen and M.K. Kannan, along with several other party officials from Thrissur.
The ED’s investigation is based on an FIR lodged by the Kerala Police under Section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the IPC.
The Crime Branch has filed over 16 FIRs related to the Karuvannur bank fraud in the Thrissur district.
According to the ED, loans were fraudulently approved and disbursed to individuals and their benamis by the bank. These loans were sanctioned as part of a systematic conspiracy allegedly involving the bank secretary, committee members, and the manager, colluding since 2010.
Investigators discovered that numerous bogus loans were sanctioned against the same properties—often without the bank’s members' knowledge—and that loans were issued to non-members based on inflated property valuations. The funds were then misappropriated and laundered by the accused.
The ED has also claimed that the loan disbursements were executed at the request of CPI-M district committee members who controlled the bank's governing body.
So far, the ED’s Kochi Zonal Office has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 10.98 crore in relation to this case. This includes one movable asset and 24 immovable properties—land and buildings situated in Kerala. Of these, the immovable properties are valued at Rs 10.48 crore, whereas the movable asset, a cash deposit, amounts to Rs 50.53 lakh.
