Bribe: ED says it has evidence to prove that Santhosh Eapen withdrew 2.80 crores

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that it has received evidence to prove that Santhosh Eapen withdrew Rs 2.80 crore from his bank account to pay the bribe. Santosh Eapan, who will be in ED custody till March 27, will be interrogated again in detail by ED.

Santosh has stated that the contract company was not the only one that was interested in the project devised to provide houses to the flood victims. Swapna Suresh and PS Sarith, former employees of the UAE Consulate, have testified that some others also had business interests in the project. Santhosh also gave statements that agree with this. The statements given by UV Jose, the former CEO of Life Mission, are also crucial. Out of the bribe money, only Rs 1 crore was received from the locker. The ED said further investigation is required based on the statements of Santhosh and information received from others. The court will consider Santhosh's bail plea later.