Archive · 20 May 2025
ED Officer Accused of Bribery in ₹2 Crore Demand Case
An ED officer is accused of demanding a ₹2 crore bribe from a businessman under investigation.
The businessman, facing scrutiny for financial irregularities, was contacted by an intermediary claiming to represent the ED.
The intermediary demanded money to stop the investigation, which led the businessman to report the demands to the VACB.
A sting operation caught the intermediary receiving money, and others were arrested.
The CPI(M) criticized the central government, alleging the ED is being used for political purposes.
VACB has registered a case against four individuals for a ₹2 crore bribery demand.
ED Assistant Director Shekhar Kumar is the prime accused.
The bribe was allegedly demanded from a Kollam-based businessman under ED scrutiny.
Wilson Varghese, claiming to represent ED officials, acted as an intermediary.
A sting operation was conducted, leading to arrests and further investigation.
- Who
- ED Assistant Director Shekhar Kumar, Wilson Varghese, Mukesh Kumar, chartered accountant Ranjith Warrier, and a Kollam-based businessman are involved.
- What
- VACB registered a case against four individuals, including an ED officer, for demanding a ₹2 crore bribe.
- When
- The investigation began when businessman was under ED scrutiny in 2024 and continued into May 2025. The article was published May 20, 2025.
- Where
- Kochi, India
- Why
- An ED official allegedly demanded a bribe to halt a money laundering investigation involving a businessman.
CPI(M) and Accuser's View
Government/ED's Implied Stance
ED's Actions
CPI(M) and Accuser's View
The ED is accused of corruption and being used as a political tool.
Government/ED's Implied Stance
The ED is carrying out its investigations into money laundering cases.
- Agency Investigating Bribery
- VACB
- Accused ED Official
- Shekhar Kumar
- Bribe Amount Demanded
- ₹2 crore
- Businessman Under Scrutiny
- Kollam-based businessman
- Allegation
- Bribery demand to halt ED investigation
- Political Response
- CPI(M) statement criticizing Central Government
