Kodakara Money Heist: Kerala High Court Closes Petition Alleging Inaction In Case After ED Submits Progress In Investigation

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday closed a plea seeking directions to the Enforcement Directorate to investigate the Kodakara black money case in which certain BJP leaders are allegedly involved.

Justice K. Haripal closed the writ petition upon being informed that the central agency had opened a file in the matter and that investigation was progressing based on the information gathered and complaints received so far.

Advocate A.R. Nimod appeared for the petitioner Saleem Madavur, who alleged that the ED was not taking any action despite an economic offence involving crores of money having been detected.

When the Directorate sought multiple extensions to file its statement, the petitioner had objected to it arguing that three months time had already been granted to the agency. 

However, ASG submitted that he had requested comprehensive information on the matter and that an extensive statement will be filed within the given time. Accordingly, an extension was granted by the Court.

When the matter was taken up today, the ASG submitted a statement according to which a file has been opened on the information gathered by the concerned Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate in the matter. 

Recording the same, the Court closed the matter noting that action was been taken in the heist. 

The heist case came to light after an incident of highway robbery on April 3 at Kodakara in Thrissur district three days ahead of the assembly poll.

The police investigation of the money heist revealed that the money involved was approximately Rs 3.5 crores in cash, which was allegedly transported through hawala channels to fund the poll campaign.

A special investigation team was constituted to probe the case, which suspected the involvement of BJP leaders in the transaction. The SIT has questioned several district-level leaders and state general secretary M Ganeshan and state office secretary G Gireesan.

The Court had earlier sought the response of the Enforcement Directorate in the matter. Recently, five of the accused had been granted bail by the Court

Case Title: Saleem Madavur v. Deputy Director