Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Kerala opposition leader V.D. Investigation into the Punarjani case related to Satheesan has been started. Complainant Jason Panikulangara was called to the ED office in Kochi and his statement was recorded. The investigation team had collected information regarding this case last year.
Punarjani is a flood rehabilitation scheme implemented in Satheesan’s constituency Paravur, Ernakulam. The allegation was that Satheesan illegally received foreign aid for the project.
Satheesan had earlier said that construction of more than 200 houses would be completed and 1750 shops in Paravur would be compensated under the regeneration scheme. An investigation was also conducted by State Vigilance in this regard. ED will investigate whether the Foreign Contribution Control Act (FCRA) has been violated.
As per the norms, prior approval of the Union Home and External Affairs Ministry is mandatory for accepting any kind of foreign assistance, including from voluntary organizations. Jason had submitted evidence of Satheesan’s alleged foreign travel in connection with receiving aid to the ED at the time of filing the complaint.
