Tensions have escalated between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) following explosive bribery allegations against a senior ED officer involved in a money laundering investigation linked to the state’s cashew trade.
₹2 Crore Bribery Claim Against ED Officer
The VACB is probing serious claims that Sekhar Kumar, an Assistant Director at ED’s Kochi office, sought a bribe of ₹2 crore from Aneesh Babu, a Kollam-based businessman under investigation for financial fraud.
Babu, accused of duping several cashew traders out of over ₹24 crore by accepting advance payments without fulfilling import commitments, became the subject of an ED probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Middlemen Arrested: New Twists in the Investigation
Two individuals — Wilson Varghese and Mukesh Kumar — were arrested by the VACB for allegedly facilitating the bribe. According to investigators, the duo acted as intermediaries between the businessman and the ED official. Their statements reportedly led to Sekhar Kumar being named the prime accused.
Anticipatory Bail Plea Filed by ED Official
In light of the developments, Sekhar Kumar has filed for anticipatory bail with the Kerala High Court, claiming that he has been wrongly implicated. He argues that the bribery allegations are a deliberate attempt to derail the ED’s legitimate investigation into Babu’s financial misdeeds.
ED Pushes Back, Alleges Attempt to Sabotage Probe
The ED has questioned the motives behind the bribery complaint, suggesting it may be an orchestrated effort to block the ongoing money laundering probe. Officials noted that Babu had skipped multiple summons and had previously been denied anticipatory bail by various courts.
A senior ED official clarified that investigation procedures are not handled unilaterally and are vetted at higher levels, ruling out the possibility of individual officers manipulating the process for personal gain.
Vigilance Bureau Pursues Additional Leads
The VACB is expanding its investigation, reviewing documents and a seized diary that reportedly includes names of individuals under ED scrutiny. Additional complaints of similar nature are also being examined, indicating a broader pattern of misconduct may be at play.
Political Repercussions and Public Concern
The controversy has triggered political reactions in Kerala, with opposition leaders demanding transparency and accountability from central agencies.
Read More: Bribery Allegations in Bail Cases: Delhi Special Judge TransferredÂ
