Kochi, Apr 5 (UNI) Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the offices of business man Gokulam Gopalan, producer of Malayalam film Empuraan, alleging that his company violated the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Searches are being conducted by the Kochi unit of ED with the support of its Chennai unit at various offices of the film producer in Chennai and Kerala, sources said.

The ED officials conducted raids at the offices of Sree Gopalan Chit and Finance Co Ltd alleging that the company cheated investors, violated FEMA rules and conducted unauthorised money transactions of about Rs 1000 crore.

Meanwhile, the Income Tax department sent a notice to actor Prithviraj Sukumaran seeking clarifications on his income and assets.

Earlier, film Empuraan, featuring Gujarat riot of 2002, came under strong criticism from RSS-BJP leaders alleging that it supported anti-national elements. Meanwhile, RSS mouthpiece Organiser led a campaign against the film by publishing several articles against the film producers and actors.

The co-producers of the film were Antony Perumbavoor, Subaskaran under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies and Lyca Productions.

The film, written by Murali Gopy and directed by Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also acted along with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.

Actress Manju Warrier, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jerome Flynn and Eriq Ebouaney also acted in the film.

Earlier, various Hindu organisations demanded apology from Mohanlal and urged the Union Government to take back the 'Tetrotorial Major' status.

UNI DS SJC