Kerala High Court Refuses CBI Probe in Rs.100 Crore Karuvannur Bank Scam
| ➡️ Get instant news updates on Whatsapp. Click here to join our Whatsapp Group. |
The Kerala High Court has decided not to order a CBI investigation into the ₹100 crore scam at the Karuvannur Service Co-operative Bank. This decision was made by Justice PV Kunhikrishnan on Wednesday, who said that the state police are already investigating the matter properly.
What is the case about?
A person named Suresh MV, a former employee of the bank, had filed a petition in the High Court. He asked the Court to hand over the investigation to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), claiming that the police investigation was slow and inefficient. He also said that there was political interference and the real culprits were not being caught.
He said that the scam involved stealing money from customer accounts, giving fake (benami) loans, and using forged documents, with help from people with political power.
The Enforcement Directorate, has found that the CPM amassed undisclosed wealth to the tune of Rs 100 crore over the past 10 years in Thrissur district. Multiple bank accounts were opened for collecting funds and later closed to evade tracking by investigating agencies and the Election Commission, the ED said in a report filed before the High Court.
What did the High Court say?
The Court reviewed the current status of the investigation and made the following key points:
Police Investigation is Ongoing and Active: The court said that police have been regularly submitting status reports. Several charge sheets have already been filed and the final reports are now pending before trial courts, which means the matter is progressing in court.
No Need for CBI Probe Right Now: Since the case is already in advanced stages, there is no need for CBI involvement. The Court said it does not want to interfere under Article 226 of the Constitution unless truly necessary.
Investigation Must Be Free and Fair: The judge emphasized that the investigating officer must make sure all real culprits are brought to justice. The Court warned the police not to act under any political or bureaucratic pressure.
April 2025 Orders: On April 11, 2025, the Court had already ordered the police to investigate everyone named by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The police were told to collect the ED’s report and affidavit and act fairly.
The Public Prosecutor informed the Court that along with the main case, 21 related cases have also been registered. 10 cases have already been charge-sheeted, and investigation in the remaining 11 cases is almost complete (waiting only for forensic reports). Also, two additional charge sheets have been filed in the main case.
Final Decision by the Court:
After reviewing everything, Justice Kunhikrishnan said:
“This case doesn’t need to stay in this court any longer. The police should continue their job seriously and make sure the actual culprits are tried in court.”
So, the petition was dismissed, but the Court gave freedom to the petitioner to approach the trial court if he has any other complaints in the future.