HC says Swapna Suresh has clear role in LIFE Mission case, questions delay in arrest

KOCHI: The High Court said that the delay in arresting Swapna Suresh in the LIFE Mission corruption case is a serious matter.

"There is no lack of clarity regarding Swapna's role in the corruption case. Why her arrest is being delayed indefinitely is a serious question.", the court said.

The High Court's remarks came in an order rejecting the bail plea of M Sivashankar in the same case.

ED's allegation is that out of the one million dirhams given by the UAE Red Crescent, a voluntary organization, for the project of Life Mission to build houses in Wadakanchery, 4.5 crore rupees were given to middlemen including government officials and the black money received as commission was laundered. The ED also stated that the Rs 1 crore recovered from the bank lockers of Swapna was the bribe received by Sivashankar. The remaining amount is yet to be traced.

At the same time, the High Court observed that M Sivashankar is a powerful influential person and that there is a possibility of destroying evidence and influencing witnesses if he is released on bail. "Sivashankar has influence with the Chief Minister and the ruling party. Sivashankar has returned to an important post in the government even after arrest and imprisonment. He continued his official career until he retired from office while the allegations regarding the crimes were pending. Even though he had been involved in crime before, it did not affect his professional life in any way and it shows the influence of Sivashankar.", the HC said in the order.