The Kerala High Court has delivered a stern warning to the police involved in investigating the ₹100 crore Karuvannur Service Co-operative Bank scam. The court directed the investigating officer to remain unaffected by political or bureaucratic influence and to ensure a fair and proper probe into the case.
The bench of Justice D. K. Singh issued this directive during a hearing on a writ petition (W.P.(C) No. 15762/2021) filed by Suresh M.V., a former employee of the bank. The petitioner urged the court to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing alleged involvement of individuals connected with the ruling CPI(M) party in Kerala. The matter is also under the scrutiny of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
“The investigating officer is warned against coming under pressure from any political or bureaucratic quarters. He is expected to carry out investigation in a fair manner without being influenced or coming under any pressure from anywhere. If this court finds that the investigation has not been carried out properly and the roles of the political activists have not been investigated fairly, the investigating officer will bear the brunt for his dereliction of duty.”
— Justice D. K. Singh, Kerala High Court
The court's remarks came as a serious caution, making it clear that any failure to carry out a fair and impartial investigation would have personal consequences for the officer involved.
E. Balakrishnan, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Thrissur Crime Branch), appeared before the court and submitted that:
- A final report in Crime No. 302/CB/TSR/D/21 has been submitted.
- The investigation in the remaining 19 related cases is ongoing and will be completed within three months.
The court also instructed the DySP to obtain and examine the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed by the Enforcement Directorate. It specifically directed the officer to probe the involvement of all accused named in the ECIR.
"The investigating officer is directed to investigate the role of all accused, who had been named by the Enforcement Directorate in the ECIR filed by them."
The court emphasized that the investigating officer must collect the affidavit and ECIR copy from the counsel representing the ED, Mr. Jayashankar.
The petitioner sought a CBI probe citing that several individuals linked to the ruling front (LDF), particularly the CPI(M) party, were allegedly involved in the scam. The financial fraud, which came to light in the Karuvannur Co-operative Bank located in Thrissur, involves misappropriation of public funds amounting to over ₹100 crores.
The scam has already triggered multiple investigations by state police and central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate, indicating the gravity and complexity of the case.
The Court posted the matter for further hearing on July 2, 2025, and ordered the Investigating Officer to be present in person on the next date.
“This court, therefore, hopes and trusts that the investigating officer will carry out the investigation in a proper and fair manner as expected from him being the officer of the police force.”
The High Court left no ambiguity in expressing that it will closely monitor the progress and integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The case is next posted to 2nd July.
Case Title: Suresh M. V. v State of Kerala and Others
Case No: WP(C) 15762 of 2021
