A senior Enforcement Directorate official in Kochi has been named the primary accused in a ₹2 crore bribery case, prompting the Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the central agency’s operations.
The case centres on Assistant Director Shekhar Kumar of the ED’s Kochi unit, who allegedly demanded a bribe from Kollam-based cashew exporter Aneesh Babu to halt an ongoing probe into financial irregularities. Three intermediaries—Wilson Varghese, Mukesh Kumar, and chartered accountant Ranjith Warrier—have been arrested in connection with the case. Varghese was apprehended while accepting ₹2 lakh in marked currency, and subsequent investigations revealed a prior ₹50,000 transfer facilitated by Kumar, who is suspected of involvement in hawala operations.
Babu claims that Varghese approached him on behalf of the ED to solicit the bribe. Suspicion arose when Babu received calls from the same number used by Varghese, allegedly from ED officials. He asserts that the pressure from the ED ceased once they believed he was willing to negotiate. Although Babu did not receive a direct bribe demand from ED officials, he reports experiencing intimidation and ambiguous suggestions to “find a way.” He also noted that many in the Kollam cashew industry faced similar harassment but feared speaking out.
The VACB is examining potential links to hawala transactions and other related complaints, proceeding cautiously against Kumar. The bureau has received three additional complaints against ED officials, indicating a broader pattern of alleged misconduct. Investigators have gathered critical evidence from a chartered accountant involved in the case, including a diary listing individuals under ED scrutiny.
In response to the allegations, the ED has expressed concerns that the claims are an attempt to delay legal proceedings. ED sources believe the accusations are based on assumptions and note that summons can only be issued with higher authority approval. The agency welcomes a fair and impartial investigation and is reviewing the allegations to determine any merit.
This case is part of a broader crackdown by the VACB on corruption within government departments. In 2025, the bureau has arrested 23 government officials for taking bribes, with the number of tainted officers arrested last year being 39. The VACB has also broken with its tradition of not going after tainted central government officials, with three arrested so far this year.
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