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5d ago

Kerala ED Official Named Prime Accused in Rs 2 Crore Bribery Case

VACB arrests three intermediaries, launches cyber forensic probe, while ED begins internal investigation amid political criticism.

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ED denies graft charge by Kerala cashew scam accused, calls it 'diversion tactic'
ED assistant director among four accused in Rs 2 crore bribery demand case
ED officials said that the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and is fully committed to uncovering the truth. (Representational image)

Overview

  • Assistant Director Shekhar Kumar of the Enforcement Directorate's Kochi unit has been named the prime accused in a Rs 2 crore bribery case by the Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).
  • The VACB has arrested three intermediaries—Wilson Varghese, Mukesh Kumar, and chartered accountant Ranjith Warrier—and is conducting cyber forensic analysis to trace the bribery scheme.
  • The ED has initiated an internal investigation into the allegations, instructing its Kochi Zonal head to submit a detailed report on the case.
  • Opposition parties, including the CPI(M) and Congress, have criticized the ED, alleging corruption and misuse of power for political purposes.
  • The ED has dismissed the bribery allegations as an attempt by businessman Aneesh Babu, the complainant and a suspect in a Rs 24.73 crore money laundering case, to derail the ongoing investigation against him.