Kochi : ED’s alleging that Crime Branch is disruptive to its investigations into irregularities at Karuvannur bank, is without basis. And, ED’s claim of Crime Branch not having handed over entire files is simply incorrect.
On 9th of Dec 2022, the Crime Branch submitted to the High Court that all files and records demanded by the ED were due handed over. ED never refuted that submission. In fact, it is Crime Branch that approached the High Court seeking that ED return the original property deeds and other documents of borrowers. The Crime Branch DySP twice sent letters in this regard - first on 10th October then on 1st of Nov in 2022. The ED refused to let go of the documents however. Copies of the 2 Crime Branch letters were later submitted to High Court seeking that ED release the borrowers’ documents.
The prime case pertaining to Karuvannur is the one Crime Branch registered. ED makes malicious allegations concealing fact that only if the prime case is properly investigated, would ED’s subsequent case go the right way. Thus ED arguments in court have no legal basis. Indian Penal Code stipulates that in all circumstances the prime case is of utmost importance. So it is imperative that ED does not disrupt Crime Bank investigations.
