The Central probe agency is expected to name all those currently under investigation by the SIT as accused. The ED has filed a case against more than 15 people, including former Devaswom presidents A Padmakumar and N Vasu.
File Photo: IANS
The Kochi unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday registered an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report), under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). in the Sabarimala temple gold heist after the Union government gave its consent on Thursday.
The Central probe agency is expected to name all those currently under investigation by the SIT as accused. The ED has filed a case against more than 15 people, including former Devaswom presidents A Padmakumar and N Vasu. Thantri Rajeevaru, who was arrested by the SIT on Friday, will also be included in the ED’s list of accused.
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So far, the SIT arrested 12 accused, all currently in judicial custody.
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By invoking the provisions of the PMLA, the ED has widened the scope of investigation to trace the alleged proceeds of crime and examine possible money laundering. The agency is expected to move swiftly to complete initial procedures, including the freezing of assets linked to the accused.
Earlier, the SIT handed over the FIR-related documents and witness statements to the ED following directions from the Kollam Vigilance Court.
The ED had received information that a large amount of black money was involved in the Sabarimala gold loot. It suspects not only domestic laundering of the proceeds of the crime but also possible international transactions linked to the gold misappropriation.
The timing of the ED’s action has attracted attention from political circles, as it comes close to the build-up to the next Assembly elections. Political observers say further action, including property attachment or custodial interrogation, could have wider political implications in the state.
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