Crime Branch arrests Kerala Pravasi Association chief for alleged extortion attempt

KOCHI The Ernakulam District Crime Branch arrested Rajendran Vellapalath, chairman of the Kerala Pravasi Association, on Thursday for his alleged involvement in forging documents purportedly issued in the name of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to extort money from a financial firm. He was arrested at Nedumbassery after he allegedly contacted the Indian Credit Cooperative Society in Thrissur, offering to settle an issue after the firm received a forged ED notice.

The society reportedly received the notice on October 5, directing it to produce documents in connection with alleged financial irregularities, including money laundering. Shortly thereafter, the society received a call from Mr.

Rajendran, who allegedly assured its representatives that he could settle the matter. However, the society contacted the ED’s zonal office in Delhi and learned that no such notice had been issued by the agency, following which it lodged a police complaint, said the police.