THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state president K Surendran has lashed out at the government in the Karuvannur bank fraud case. Surendran alleged that the government is trying to protect the accused in the case where crores of black money were laundered through Karuvannur Bank during the time of demonetisation. He also said that AC Moideen did not appear before the ED for questioning on the instructions of the CPM.

"The news that more than 500 crores of black money has been laundered in many other banks in Thrissur district is shocking. What has now emerged is only the tip of the iceberg. The arrested Satheesan is the benami of many senior leaders of the CPM. The government is trying to subvert the case by using the Crime Branch as it has realized that many leaders will get arrested. The CPI board member's revelation that he was threatened by the Crime Branch underlines this," Surendran said.