Kochi: Actor and producer Soubin Shahir is set to be questioned again by the police in connection with a financial fraud case related to the movie Manjummel Boys. This follows a complaint accusing the producers of financial misconduct and fraudulent activities tied to the film.

Although the court has stayed Soubin’s arrest, it has not opposed the ongoing investigation. Currently, the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are investigating the matter, focusing on potential tax evasion in the film industry, particularly concerning production companies. The police have now summoned Soubin for further questioning as part of their probe into the allegations.

ED launched investigation following a complaint filed by Siraj Valiyaveetil, a businessman from Alappuzha Aroor, who alleges that he was cheated out of profits and investments by Parava Films, the production company behind Manjummel Boys. Siraj claims to have invested Rs 7 crore in the film and accuses the producers of inflating the total production cost from Rs 18.65 crore to Rs 22 crore. He also alleges that the producers deceived him regarding the completion of the film’s initial schedule and failed to reimburse any of his investment.

Despite an agreement promising a 40 percent share of the profits from the film’s success, Siraj claims that he never received any payment, even though Manjummel Boys was commercially successful. Siraj estimates his total losses at around Rs 47 crore.

Initial investigations by the police have included statements from Siraj and a review of relevant bank records, which reportedly confirmed allegations of financial wrongdoing by the film's producers. Following the police report, the High Court was informed that Soubin and his team were attempting to reach a settlement with Siraj. However, while they returned the production cost, the 40 percent profit share as per the agreement was not paid.

With the investigations by the Income Tax Department and ED continuing, the police have decided to accelerate their inquiry. The investigation team is scheduled to meet in the coming days to determine the next steps.