Synopsis
Former Congress legislator Anil Akkara claims that if the ED investigation into the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank scam continues, several CPI-M leaders may be implicated. The ED's recent notice to MP K. Radhakrishnan raises concerns for the ruling party ahead of its upcoming congress.Key Takeaways
- Anil Akkara alleges top CPI-M leaders could be implicated.
- The ED has summoned K. Radhakrishnan for questioning.
- Previous covert agreements may have shielded these leaders.
- The ED has recovered significant amounts of money linked to the scam.
- The Thrissur Lok Sabha seat is crucial for political dynamics.
Kochi, March 14 (NationPress) Former Congress legislator Anil Akkara, who was instrumental in unveiling the Rs 324-crore Karuvannur Cooperative Bank scam, has asserted that should the current Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation move forward appropriately, key CPI-M leaders may be implicated in the eventual charge sheet.
Akkara's statements come in light of reports indicating that the ED has summoned Alathur Lok Sabha MP K. Radhakrishnan for interrogation.
He accused Radhakrishnan, along with former minister and current CPI-M legislator A.C. Moideen and former Thrissur CPI-M district secretary M.M. Varghese, of being likely to be named as defendants if a comprehensive investigation is carried out.
"Up until now, these leaders have been protected due to a covert agreement made during the 2024 Thrissur Lok Sabha election. However, the ED has already seized Rs 60 lakh from CPI-M party bank accounts and Rs 40 lakh from Moideen under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This fraud transpired during their time as Thrissur district CPI-M secretaries," Akkara stated.
The ED's recent notice to Radhakrishnan follows an interval of over six months in the inquiry. Radhakrishnan, a former two-time state minister and ex-Speaker, is a notable CPI-M figure from Thrissur. The notice has placed the ruling party in a vulnerable position as it gears up for the 24th Party Congress in Madurai this April.
Radhakrishnan, a member of the CPI-M Central Committee, received the notice upon his recent return to Thrissur. The party is reportedly attempting to postpone his appearance, citing the ongoing Parliament session.
This marks the first occasion Radhakrishnan has been called since the scam emerged, causing significant unrest within the party. The ED has previously interrogated several senior CPI-M officials, including Moideen, former Lok Sabha member P.K. Biju, former CPI-M legislator M.K. Kannan, and M.M. Varghese.
Numerous local CPI-M leaders and staff of the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank have been arrested and imprisoned in connection with the scam, although many have since been granted bail.
The Thrissur Lok Sabha seat is particularly notable as it was the only constituency in Kerala where the BJP triumphed in 2024, with actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi securing the victory.
