Kerala Cashew Trader Arrested by ED After Filing Bribery Complaint
Kochi witnessed a dramatic turn of events this Wednesday. Aneesh Babu, a cashew businessman from Kollam, found himself in custody. The Enforcement Directorate arrested him when he appeared at their Kochi office.
This arrest comes after Babu made serious allegations against the agency. He had filed a formal complaint with the vigilance department. In that complaint, he accused ED assistant director Shekhar Kumar of demanding a bribe.
The Bribery Allegation and Fraud Charges
Babu claimed that Kumar wanted Rs 2 crore to settle a case against him. Following this complaint, the vigilance department registered a case and began an investigation. During this ongoing probe, Kumar received a transfer out of Kerala.
Meanwhile, the ED pressed its own charges against Babu. They accuse him of defrauding two cashew traders. The alleged amount involved is a substantial Rs 24.73 crore.
Babu supposedly promised to import cashews from Tanzania but failed to deliver. The Kottarakkara police initially handled this fraud case. Later, the crime branch took over the investigation.
The Enforcement Directorate registered the case in 2021. They are conducting their investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Legal Proceedings and High Court Intervention
Babu did not remain passive. He approached the Kerala High Court with a specific request. He sought the transfer of his case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Justice A Badharudeen heard his plea. The court directed the CBI to file its response. The matter now stands adjourned until January 22 for further hearing.
In his petition, Babu presented a clear argument. He stated that no proper investigation had occurred so far. He expressed his belief that only the CBI could ensure a fair probe.
Babu emphasized the need for an impartial agency. He pointed out that the accused individuals held significant influence.
Cooperation Issues and Court Directives
The vigilance department presented a different perspective in court. They informed the judges that Babu was not cooperating with their investigation.
A specific point of contention emerged. Babu had not handed over his mobile phone password. This password was crucial for examining call details related to the bribery allegations.
The High Court took note of this situation. Justice Badharudeen issued clear directions to Babu. He must provide all required details to the investigating agency.
This includes submitting his mobile phone password in writing. The court reminded Babu of his responsibilities. Since he raised serious allegations against a premier investigating agency, he must cooperate fully with the ongoing vigilance inquiry.
The legal battle continues on multiple fronts. Babu faces fraud charges from the ED while pursuing his bribery complaint through the courts. The Kerala High Court will revisit the matter later this month, determining the future course of this complex investigation.
