Crime branch to probe half-priced fraud case, special teams to be formed in all districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: DGP Sheikh Darvesh Sahib has issued an order handing over the investigation of the half-priced fraud case to the crime branch. The investigation will be conducted by forming special investigation teams in all districts. 34 cases have been handed over to the crime branch. The crime branch will investigate the case under the leadership of the ADGP. The DGP and the ADGP in charge of law and order had discussed the matter of handing over the case to the crime branch. The decision was taken later.

The police are accused of being slow in registering cases despite the number of complainants increasing every day. This is also the reason why the investigation has now been handed over to the crime branch. Although there are about a thousand complaints in Ernakulam alone, only less than ten cases have been registered. The allegation is that the slow progress is due to the fact that political leaders and organizations have received money.

The police have concluded that high-ranking officials are involved in the case. Ananthu Krishnan has stated that the UDF MP who received Rs 45 lakh for election funds gave only Rs 15 lakh for election funds. The UDF MLA in Ernakulam received Rs 7 lakh in cash. Rs 25 lakh was given to a CPM leader through the Thankamani Service Cooperative Bank. A youth congress leader in Muvattupuzha took a loan of Rs 5 lakh. Ananthu Krishnan told police that Rs 9 lakh was given for election funds to the UDF MP in the hilly ranges.

The Muvattupuzha police had taken Ananthu Krishnan to various places in Ernakulam yesterday to collect evidence. The searches were conducted at the NGO Confederation's project office in Ponnurunni, villa in Panampilly Nagar, Ashoka Flats in Marine Drive and offices in Palarivattom and Kalamassery. The police have sealed all the places. They will conduct another search as they need to examine electronic items and other things. Ananthu Krishnan will be produced in court this morning as the custody period has expired. The Paravur police will take him into custody and question him.