Kodakara black money case: Kerala HC issues notice to ED, Election Commission and Income Tax Dept

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to report on the progress of the investigation into the Kodakara black money case. In addition to the ED, the court has also issued notices to the Income Tax Department and the Election Commission, requiring responses within three weeks.

The petition was filed by Santhosh, the 50th witness in the Kodakara black money case, urging the High Court to expedite the investigation. Santhosh's plea pointed out that, although the police submitted a report on the case back in 2021, the Enforcement Directorate has yet to conduct a substantial inquiry. The petitioner sought a directive from the court for the ED to complete the investigation promptly.

According to the police report, Rs 40 crore was allegedly transported to Kerala on behalf of the BJP during the last legislative assembly election in 2021. The report also contained the names and details of BJP leaders, yet, as per Santhosh’s complaint, a comprehensive investigation has not been pursued. The court will reconsider the case after three weeks.

The Kodakara black money case has regained attention following revelations from Tirur Satheesh, the former office secretary of the BJP Thrissur district committee. In response, the government has appointed a new team to investigate the case. The newly formed team, led by Kochi DCP K Sudarshan, consists of eight members. The DGP issued the order for this new investigation team in recent days.