Former CPM minister AC Moideen summoned by ED again
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a second summons to former CPM minister AC Moideen in connection with the Karuvannur bank scam. Moideen has been asked to appear before the ED office in Kochi on September 4.
The ED had initially summoned Moideen on August 31, but he had sought two weeks’ time to appear. However, the ED has now issued a second summons without taking Moideen’s request into consideration.
It is known that Moideen will not be appearing before the ED on September 4, as it falls on the day before the Puthuppally byelection. The CPM state leadership is not in favour of Moideen appearing in front of the ED ahead of the byelection.
Meanwhile, PP Kiran, Anil Seth and former manager of Karuvannur bank Biju Kareem, who are suspected benamis of AC Moideen, were quizzed by the ED for the second day in a row. Their statements are considered crucial in the case.
The Karuvannur bank scam is a case of alleged financial irregularities in the Karuvannur Cooperative Urban Bank. The scam is estimated to have caused a loss of more than Rs 125 crore to the bank. Moideen was the minister of cooperation at the time of the scam.
The ED is investigating the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency has already conducted raids at several places, including Moideen’s residence and office. The ED’s investigation is likely to intensify in the coming days. It remains to be seen whether Moideen will eventually appear before the ED and cooperate with the investigation.
