Actor Soubin Shahir Questioned by ED in ‘Manjummal Boys’ Financial Fraud Case
Actor-producer Soubin Shahir was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday in connection with the financial fraud case involving the film ‘Manjummal Boys.’ This questioning follows a complaint of financial fraud related to the movie. Previously, the ED had also questioned Shawn Antony, one of the producers of the film.
The ED’s investigation began after receiving complaints about black money transactions in the film industry, focusing particularly on production companies. The case was initiated by a complaint filed by Siraj Valiyaveetil from Alappuzha Aroor against the producers of ‘Manjummal Boys.’ Siraj alleged that he was cheated out of profits and investments by Parava Films, the production company associated with the film.
Upon investigation, the police found substantial evidence of financial fraud and submitted their report to the High Court. The ED’s involvement aims to determine if any illicit financial transactions were involved in the film’s production.
Initial investigations included statements from Siraj and scrutiny of relevant bank records, confirming allegations of financial misconduct by the film’s producers. According to the complaint, Siraj invested Rs 7 crore in the film, but the producers falsely inflated the total production cost to Rs 22 crore, when it was actually Rs 18.65 crore. The producers allegedly misled Siraj about the completion of the film’s initial schedule and failed to reimburse him any funds.
Despite promises of a 40% profit share in the film’s success, Siraj claims he did not receive any payment, even though the movie was commercially successful. He estimates his losses to be around Rs 47 crore.
Earlier, the High Court had stayed the arrest of the accused in the fraud case. Additionally, the lawyer representing the producers of ‘Manjummal Boys’ had withdrawn from the case. The ED continues its investigation to uncover the full extent of the financial irregularities involved.
