KOCHI: Vadakanchery City Council Member P R Aravindakshan was arrested in the Karuvannur bank fraud case. Aravindakshan, a former accountant at the bank, C K Jills was taken into custody by the ED for questioning until 4 pm today. This decision was made by the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ernakulam after considering the ED's application.

The court permitted both to communicate with their family members while in custody. They must be given a one-hour break if they are questioned continuously for three hours. Furthermore, the court emphasized that the accused should not be subjected to physical or mental torture. Aravindakshan is to be brought back to court at 4 pm. The court also postponed Aravindakshan's bail hearing until the 30th and directed the ED to submit an affidavit in response to the bail application. Aravindakshan was apprehended at his residence in Vadakanchery yesterday and Jills was arrested following questioning.

Yesterday at 11 am, the police barred media personnel from entering the courtroom when the ED's request to take both into custody was being considered. The police explained that this action was taken at the direction of the court's ministerial chief officer. PMLA Court Judge Shibu Thomas clarified that there would be no further restrictions after this incident was reported. The judge stated that it is an open court and no one will be prohibited from entering. When the application was reviewed in the evening, media personnel were allowed entry.

Vadakancherry Municipal Councilor P R Aravindakshan, the former accountant of Thrissur Co-operative Bank, C K Jills and Thrissur Co-operative Bank Secretary Binu, P Bindu, the wife of Satishkumar were apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate.

Aravindakshan and Jills, who were arrested on Tuesday were taken into custody today for questioning. They were questioned about their association with Satish Kumar, the primary suspect in the case and details of financial transactions and benami holdings. Questions regarding fraudulent transactions will be completed later today during their custody.

Binu was questioned about the transactions carried out by Satishkumar in Thrissur Co-operative Bank and the necessary documents were presented to Binu.

The ED is investigating transactions conducted by Satish Kumar both directly and through benami accounts in Thrissur Co-operative Bank. Questions about Satish Kumar's benami properties and his connections with political leaders were also posed to Bindhu.