High Court criticizes crime branch: ‘CBI should take over Karuvannur case’

KOCHI: The High Court has strongly criticized the Crime Branch for failing to file a chargesheet in the Karuvannur bank fraud case, even after four years. Justice DK Singh stated that the government's arguments are unacceptable and said the investigation must be handed over to the CBI. He questioned whether the investigation was deliberately dragged on to protect someone, even though it is a case of looting investors. He also remarked that the court should not be approached repeatedly with requests to postpone the case.

Director General of Prosecution T.A. Shaji, representing the government, argued that the delay is due to the ED taking possession of documents related to the irregularities. He said the original documents are necessary for forensic examination and assured that a chargesheet would soon be filed. The court responded by questioning the need for original documents in the investigation.

The case came up for consideration following a petition by former employee M.V. Suresh, seeking a CBI investigation. Investigating officers were also present in court during the proceedings.

The court pointed out allegations of major irregularities in cooperative societies and stressed that such societies should not be involved in laundering black money. It criticized that although these organizations are called agricultural cooperative societies, they have no connection to agriculture. The ED informed the court that its investigation in the case is complete.