KOCHI: In addition to the statements obtained from those arrested in the Karuvannur scam, the ED is trying hard to reach top political leaders by securing documentary evidence. This is because the court will question if there is no reasonable proof. Strong evidence of leaders taking money and directly or indirectly aiding and abetting bank fraud and money laundering needs to be found. It will also be on this basis that AC Moidheen will be called for questioning again. So far, Vadakkanchery municipal councilor PR Aravindakshan is the only political leader arrested.

Several statements have been received regarding the connivance of the leaders in the fraud. The ED had told the court that the scam was planned with the knowledge of local, district and state level leaders. An extensive investigation into the financial dealings of the arrested prime accused P Satheesh Kumar is going on. An investigation is underway to find out how the crores stolen from Karuvannur Bank were diverted and who received them. The details of the transactions made through the bank accounts were collected. Those who received the money are being interrogated. He has done huge transactions in his own name and through relatives and benami.

There are also statements that Satheesh Kumar is a benami of political leaders. Jijor, who was an intermediary in his financial transactions, has mentioned the names of some of the leaders. When Satheesh Kumar's dealings unravel, the benami dealings and role of the leaders will become clear. Rs 300 crore fraud cannot be done without political support, ED has concluded.

Leaders questioned

AC Moidheen MLA (CPM State Committee Member)

MK Kannan (CPM State Committee Member)

Madhu Ambalapuram (Member of Vadakkanchery Municipality)

CK Ramachandran (Former Member of CPM District Secretariat)

Anoop Davis Kada (Thrissur Councillor)

188 complaints

ED received 188 complaints in Karuvannur scam. Sindhu, a native of Thrissur, is the latest to file a complaint. The complaint is that Satheesh Kumar has taken 15 lakhs loan amount from her.