Congress leader seeks ED probe into alleged influence by CMRL MD in Manalur poll outcome

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Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) secretary C.C. Sreekumar has demanded that a comprehensive probe be conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the alleged financial influence and intervention in the Manalur Assembly constituency during the recent elections.

In a complaint submitted to the agency, Mr. Sreekumar alleged that Sasidharan Kartha, Managing Director (MD) of Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), played a role in influencing the electoral outcome in favour of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate, who won by a narrow margin of 126 votes.

He claimed that attempts were made during the election period to influence various community organisations and that such allegations should be thoroughly investigated. Mr. Sreekumar also called for scrutiny of alleged efforts to influence Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-linked circles.

Citing the ongoing allegations related to the CMRL case, he urged the ED to examine all financial transactions and phone communications involving Mr. Kartha and his associates after the announcement of elections, as well as the alleged flow of funds in the constituency.

“An impartial investigation is essential to uphold the credibility of the democratic process and to ascertain whether the election outcome was influenced,” Mr. Sreekumar said.