Key details have emerged from the statement given by MP K. Radhakrishnan to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Karuvannur black money transaction case. In his statement, K. Radhakrishnan said he was unaware of the party mechanisms within the Karuvannur bank. He stated that he had no knowledge of any party structures beyond the bank’s board of directors and was unaware of any system in place to issue benami (proxy) loans. He also claimed to be unaware of the existence of a parliamentary committee or sub-committee within the party. The allegation that the scam occurred with the knowledge of the district committee was incorrect, he asserted in his statement.
He further stated that C.K. Chandran, who made the allegation, did not hold significant responsibilities and was not assigned duties due to illness. Radhakrishnan clarified that the district committee did not have any accounts in the Karuvannur bank. The ED has indicated that there is no need to summon Radhakrishnan again. The final charge sheet in the case will be submitted to the court soon.
The ED was examining records from the period when K. Radhakrishnan was the CPI(M) Thrissur district secretary. The questions posed to him were related to the CPI(M)’s connections with the Karuvannur bank and financial transactions involving the CPI(M)’s party account. Although the ED had earlier summoned Radhakrishnan for questioning, he had informed them in writing that he was unable to attend due to the ongoing party congress and other reasons. He later informed the ED that he could appear on Tuesday.
In connection with the case, the ED had also questioned the current CPI(M) district secretary. The ED alleges that a fraud amounting to ₹324 crore took place at the Karuvannur bank. The bank is still grappling with a financial crisis.
