Economic Offences Division Cracks Down on Film Producer Gokulam Gopalan’s Offices in Raids

ED Conducts Searches at Film Producer Gokulam Gopalan’s Offices, Issues Notice to Prithviraj Sukumaran

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at the offices of Malayalam film producer Gokulam Gopalan in connection with allegations of violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The searches, carried out by the Kochi unit of the ED in cooperation with the Chennai unit, targeted various offices of Sree Gopalan Chit and Finance Co Ltd, with a focus on alleged FEMA rule breaches and unauthorized money transactions worth over Rs 1,000 crore.

Sources close to the investigation confirm that the ED is looking into concerns that the company is involved in embezzlement, investment scams, and other financial irregularities. The searches aim to unmask the financial dealings of the company and gather evidence to support the allegations. This development comes as part of a broader scrutiny of business dealings and financial transactions in the country’s film industry.

The film production company, Sree Gopalan Chit and Finance Co Ltd, is also accused of producing the recently released Malayalam film Empuraan, which has been at the center of a controversy. The film, directed by and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, was previously criticized for its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots, leading to accusations that it promoted anti-national elements. The film’s release sparked a vocal backlash from RSS-BJP leaders and fringe groups, with some demanding an apology from the cast, including Mohanlal, who was part of the film.

As the row surrounding Empuraan continues to simmer, the ED’s move to investigate Sree Gopalan Chit and Finance Co Ltd has sent shockwaves through the industry. The Income Tax department has also issued a notice to Prithviraj Sukumaran, calling for clarification on his income and assets. The notice is the latest development in the film industry’s ongoing battle with regulatory bodies, as the government tightens the screws on tax evasion and financial mishandling.

The movie Empuraan, which also features Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies, and Lyca Productions as co-producers, initially courted controversy for its depiction of the Gujarat riots. The criticism led to a series of protests, with some asking for the ‘Terrorista lt all to be stripped of its ‘Tetrotorial Major’ status.

Original Source: https://tripurachronicle.in/national-news/ed-conducts-raids-at-ofiices-of-film-producer-gokulam-gopalan/
Category : National News
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Publish Date: 2025-04-05 17:40:00