KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday searched the office's of Gokulam Group’s in Chennai and Kerala as part of an ongoing probe into alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
The operation, reportedly covering 21 locations across multiple states, included searches at the group’s premises in Kodambakkam. The ED’s Kochi unit led the raid in coordination with their Chennai counterparts.
The action is being undertaken against Gopalan and his company Sree Gopalan chit and Finance Co Ltd for alleged FEMA violations of Rs 1,000 crore with certain NRIs and some related "unauthorised" transactions, the sources said.
The agency is also understood to be analysing some "cheating" cases against the company for possible investigation under the anti-money laundering law.
The Gokulam Group, headed by Gokulam Gopalan, has been reportedly under the ED's scanner since 2023. Gopalan, who has already been interrogated several times in connection with the case, is a well-known figure in the business and entertainment landscape. His business interests span chit funds, finance, movie production, sports, and hospitality.
Gopalan produced the controversial film Empuraan, which recently sparked outrage among BJP members in Kerala, leading to the trimming of several scenes. However, ED officials have clarified that the ongoing raid is unrelated to the film controversy and is solely focused on the investigation of FEMA violations.
The movie, touted as one of the costliest productions in Malayalam cinema, became a topic of hot debate over its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the Gujarat riots of 2002.
Apart from Gopalan, its other producers include Antony Perumbavoor and Subaskaran under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies and Lyca Productions.
The film is a trilogy directed by Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also acts in the movie along with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.
The film, written by Murali Gopy, also features Manju Warrier, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jerome Flynn and Eriq Ebouaney among others.
Mohanlal expressed regret over the raging row and assured that the controversial portions would be removed from the movie.
Perumbavoor told reporters in Kochi early this month that a little over two minutes of scenes have been deleted from the movie following the controversy.