Kochi, July 09: Kerala High Court today directed the Enforcement Directorate, income tax authorities and police, who are enquiring into the Rs 336 crore Hawala scam in the state, that if the presence of Surendran, the prime suspect, was required, he should be given notice showing the reasons for his presence. The court also made it clear that whenever he was required to be present before the respondents, he should be allowed to be accompanied either by a friend or a lawyer of his choice.

The directions were issued by Justice K A Abdul Gaffoor on a petition by Surendran, who is absconding, that he would be harassed by the authorities on his surrender.

Meanwhile, another suspect, Nawaz Khan, a prominent bussinessman of Coimbatore, also moved the high court complaining that attempts were being made to falsly implicate him in the case. This petition will be considered later. The case relates to the transfer of Rs 336 crore from Mumbai through four different banks allegedly by Surendran and some others.
Bureau Report