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Thiruvananthapuram: An investigating agency similar to the Enforcement Directorate will be formed in Kerala soon for probing the financial frauds. The department of finance gave the nod to form the organisation named Economic and Organised Crime Investigation Wing. The agency will come into force after final approval from the cabinet.
Kerala police had recommended forming an agency in the state when the intervention of central investigation agencies increased in scams and frauds reported in Kerala.
The Enforcement Directorate falls under the revenue department of the union finance ministry. It comprises the officials from the Indian Revenue Service, Indian Corporate Law Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Administrative Service.
However, the new agency will be formed under the home ministry in Kerala and it will function within the ambit of the Crime Branch initially. It will become independent only later.
Officials in DySP rank will be in charge of these cells in each district while SP officers will have to take the charge at range level. IG will supervise the agency at police headquarters.
Apart from investigating the huge scams in the state, the agency will probe into the cases which have inter-state and national links.
Though the agency can probe into the cases that could be taken up by ED, the state agency cannot interfere with the investigation procedures of the central agency.