CMRL official Sasidharan Kartha retracts ED statement in payoff case

Sasidharan Kartha, a senior official at Chennai Metro Rail Limited, has retracted his earlier statement submitted to the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic payoff case.

Kartha's retraction affidavit follows similar actions by other high-ranking CMRL executives. P. Suresh Kumar, the organisation's former Chief Financial Officer and Chief General Manager, along with the current Chief General Manager, had previously filed retraction affidavits with the ED in 2024.

The development adds another layer to the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the state-owned metro rail undertaking. The pattern of retracted statements from multiple senior officials has drawn scrutiny from investigative authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the Exalogic transaction.

The Enforcement Directorate is examining the matter as part of its broader investigation into the payoff allegations. Multiple officials recanting their earlier testimonies has become a significant aspect of the probe, raising questions about the circumstances that led to the initial statements and their subsequent withdrawal.

The case continues to be under investigation, with the ED examining documents and conducting further inquiries into the financial dealings in question.