KOCHI: Legal experts have pointed out serious lapses committed by the crime branch in the cases registered by the department against the enforcement directorate. In the bail application submitted by Sandeep Nair, accused in the gold smuggling case, before the Ernakulam sessions court, he informed that ED officials have compelled him to tell the chief minister’s name. The crime branch took the case against ED officials on the basis of Sandeep’s statement.

The crime branch has also contended before the court that the case was taken on the complaint of P V Vijayam, the advocate of Sandeep Nair. But when Vijayam openly rejected it, the crime branch got into a crisis mode and they had to change their stand that the complaint was taken on another advocate’s complaint.

The court has also sought clarification from ED on the personal bail plea filed by Sandeep Nair before the sessions court. Meanwhile, if any probe agencies have to take cases in such situations, the court’s nod is essential. As in this case, a prior nod from the court was not taken, experts opine that it could amount to contempt of court.

The crime branch has also committed in the case taken against ED officials for compelling Swapna Suresh to drag the chief minister into the case. This case was registered on the testimony of two women police officials who were on the guard duty of Swapna Suresh. ED officials were able to prove that the testimony of police officials was wrong as they have not visited the accused on the date mentioned in the testimony, that is 2020 August 12 and 13.