ED files complaint in Kodakara heist, 23 accused

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed its final complaint in the Kodakara highway heist case. This investigation includes 23 people accused of being involved. The case has attracted attention because it allegedly involves leaders from the State BJP. According to the ED, ₹3.56 crore was stolen during the heist. This money belonged to a man named Dharmaraj, who intended to use it for buying a hotel in Alappuzha. The ED has reported that they recovered ₹3 lakh and placed a hold on properties worth ₹8 lakh linked to the case. The incident happened on April 3, 2021, when thieves stole ₹3.5 crore and a car on the National Highway at Kodakara. Initially, the car driver reported only ₹25 lakh missing, but further investigations revealed the total was much higher. Police detained 22 individuals and managed to recover part of the stolen money and the vehicle. Dharmaraj later filed a case to reclaim his missing money and car. An investigative report suggested the stolen funds were part of a larger scheme involving ₹41.40 crore that was illegally brought from Karnataka for election expenses in the Kerala Assembly Elections in 2021. The ED took over the investigation after the State police initiated it. The BJP has faced criticism over this matter, but party leaders have strongly denied any wrongdoing.