Kochi: Citing that top police officials have alleged links with controversial conman and self-styled antique dealer Monson Mavunkal, the Kerala High Court on Friday asked whether CBI should probe the case. The court raised a significant question that whether the state police investigation is appropriate.

The court observed that CBI investigation is a better option as officials including DGP, ADGP and IG are allegedly involved in the case. The police gave protection to Monson in chorus with his request and dealings have happened in and around the state, the court pointed out. It has also directed the officials concerned to furnish the report on the case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before December 1.

Meanwhile, the Union government has also informed the court that a CBI investigation is better in this case. The counsel for the Union government conveyed that ED can only investigate black money dealings and to clarify the doubts raised by the court, a CBI investigation will be better. Counsel also cited the case in which the top cop in West Bengal is being investigated by CBI.

Following that, the court enquired ED about finer details in the case. The union government then replied that ED has started an investigation on the matter and is ready to submit details in a sealed cover.

Notably, the state government contested the CBI probe. The government argued that the police is capable to investigate the case and reminded that it has the power to investigate even foreign links. The court will take up the matter again on December 1.