Kerala BJP chief booked, son's role in Kodakara black money heist to be probed

The allegation against Kerala BJP's involvement in hawala case took a new turn as BJP's state president K Surendran's son to be probed for his role. Meanwhile, a case been filed against Surendran for paying money to a BSP candidate from Manjeshwar constituency for withdrawing the latter's nomination.

Ernakulam: The investigation into Kodakara black money heist has taken a new turn with the probe officials planning to quiz BJP state president K Surendran's son. Meanwhile, Surendran has been booked on charges of paying money to a BSP candidate from Manjeshwar constituency to withdraw his nomination.

The investigation team has found that Dharmajan, the main accused in the case and K Surendran's son K S Harikrishnan had spoken on the phone several times. The probe team will take a statement from Surendran's son. It has been found that the two had met in Konni during election time.

The probe team said they had received crucial evidence in the case. The police have found that Dharmajan has transported Rs 9.80 crore to Thrissur. Of this amount, Rs 6.30 crores has been handed over in Thrissur. The police also confirmed that Rs 2 crore was given for election work in Thrissur constituency. While the balance amount of Rs 3.50 crore was stolen when it was being transported to another place.

Read:Kerala BJP gets tangled in ‘hawala’ deals

The probe team has questioned K Surendran's Secretary Deepan and Driver Lebeesh. Actor Suresh Gopi's statement will also be recorded in connection with the incident.

Police had found that Dharmarajan and his gang had visited Suresh Gopi's election committee office in Thrissur.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered against BJP state chief K Surendran based on the revelation of K Sundara that he was paid money to withdraw his nomination papers from Manjeshwar. Following this, LDF candidate V V Rameshan of Manjeswaram constituency lodged a complaint against Surendran. A preliminary probe has been initiated into the incident.

BSP candidate K Sundara revealed that BJP leaders offered him Rs 2.50 lakh for withdrawing the nomination. Badiyadukka CI has been directed by the district police chief to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the allegations against K Surendran, BJP activists Suresh Naik and Ashok Shetty.

The case against Surendran was registered under the 171-E and 171-B sections. If convicted, stringent action will be taken against him, including being barred from running in the election. Meanwhile, Sundara said he was facing threats after the revelation and has gone into hiding.

Read: Cong asks Kerala CM for judicial probe into BJP's alleged 'hawala' racket