THRISSUR: ED has taken the statement of former Extension Branch Manager M V Suresh, who initially filed a complaint regarding the fraud at Karuvannur Cooperative Bank. He was summoned to the office in Kochi and questioned yesterday.

Suresh urged the ED to investigate the inconsistencies in the fraud amount reported by various investigating agencies. Initially, a fraud amount of 300 crore rupees was disclosed. However, this was later revised down to 227 crores during the investigation by the Cooperative Department. Furthermore, a sum of 125.83 crore rupees was earmarked for revenue recovery.

Suresh also lodged a complaint with the collector requesting an inquiry into the remaining balance amount. The complaint alleges that the reduction in the fraud amount is being justified on the basis of insufficient evidence.

The process of recovery was halted after the defendants secured a stay order and appealed to the Secretary of the Cooperative Department. No further forfeiture will take place until the appeal is resolved.

Meanwhile, it has come to light that the ED will also question the Cooperative Department officials implicated in the scam. Additionally, the purported foreign connections of some of the accused individuals will undergo investigation. The travel history of commission agent Bijoy will also be examined specifically trips to countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Dubai and China. This inquiry aims to determine whether any fraudulent funds have been deposited abroad.