Kozhikode: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not in a position to register a case over the alleged black money deposits of Muslim League leader PK Kunhalikutty at AR Nagar Cooperative Bank as the present situation does not allow it.

According to highly-placed sources, “ED needs a predicate offence (a case registered by any law enforcing body) to initiate probe in any case. Here in AR Nagar Cooperative bank case, there is no such case registered so far in any police station. If someone registers a case and FIR is filed, ED can definitely take up the case voluntarily.”

The ongoing investigation by Income Tax Department and Reserve Bank of India cannot be considered as a predicate offence.  

Thavanur MLA KT Jaleel was summoned over the case associated with Palarivattom fly over scam. “Palarivattom case and money laundering case associated with Chandrika daily are linked. ED registered Palarivattom case in 2020. Investigation ended up finding its link with the money laundering case in Chandrika daily. Former minister Ibrahim Kunju is an accused in the case. It is suspected that the black money of Palarivattom scam has been diverted to Chandrika daily’s account to whiten it.”

Jaleel during a submission in the assembly raised this issue and said he has evidence to prove it. “Jaleel was summoned to collect the evidence that he claimed is in possession with.”

Earlier Jaleel told mathrubhumi.com that he did not seek ED probe on AR Nagar bank but on the case associated with Chandrika daily. “I will be present before the ED office at 4 pm. ED had approached me seeking clarification on my submission in the assembly about a financial irregularity worth Rs 10 crores at Chandrika daily; not something associated with AR Nagar bank,” said Jaleel.

He also said that he has all documents ready in hand to submit before the officials of ED. “If officers ask me anything about AR Nagar issue, I won’t hesitate to comment.”