Govt, Bineesh's family devise plans to restrict ED

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following a 26-hour-long raid at Bineesh Kodiyeri's house in connection with money laundering and benami transactions, the state government seems to be acting quickly in order to restrict the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The government's move also comes at a time when all transactions related to the Life Mission project were subjected to investigation and Chief Minister's Additional Private Secretary was issued a notice asking him to appear for questioning.

The government and Bineesh's family are gearing up for a multi-pronged strategy to thwart ED with cases, investigations and complaints. Meanwhile, the 'Bineesh episode' evoked curiosity with the ED deciding to approach the court stating that Bineesh's family did not co-operate with them to complete the warranted raid and was protesting because there was something to hide.

Moves against ED

1. Child Rights Commission

The Child Rights Commission registered a case against the ED for mentally torturing Bineesh Kodiyeri's two-and-a-half-year-old child. was illegally detained and tortured mentally. After recording the statement of Bineesh's wife Reneeta. the commission directed the police to register a case.

2. Poojapura police

The Poojappura police sought an explanation from the ED on the complaint of Bineesh's father-in-law. The email sent by the police pointed out that a case will be registered against all ED officials who took part in the raid if they failed to provide an explanation about the illegal custody.

3. Assembly panel

The ethics committee of the Kerala Legislative Assembly issued a notice to the ED seeking an explanation on why the agency sought records of the Life Mission project from the government.

4. Reneeta

Bineesh's wife Reneeta filed a complaint against the ED officials to the ED director. In the complaint, Reneeta alleged that the officials had tortured her both physically and mentally.

Despite the government's moves, the ED is still moving ahead with inspections. The officials have inspected and sealed the bank locker of Al Jasam, Bineesh's benami and caretaker of luxury cars. They have also seized three mobile phones and passbooks from him.

The officials inspected three resorts in Varkala in connection with Bineesh's benami transactions. The officials also attempted to take Car Palace owner Abdul Latheef into custody. It is believed that Latheef is Bineesh's main benami. ED conducted raids at Latheef's residence and establishments. Bineesh's mother-in-law's iPhone was also seized.

The ED says they do not have to bring the ATM card of Anoop, the accused in the drug case, to Bineesh's house when there is a record of Rs 5.17 crore being transferred through the accounts.