Agency calls former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter for questioning as investigation into financial transactions gathers pace
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Kerala chief minister and current Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, in connection with its ongoing investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions case.
According to sources, Veena Vijayan has been directed to appear before the agency’s Kochi office on Friday for questioning. The ED has reportedly issued summons to nine individuals, including Veena Vijayan and officials associated with Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).
Probe focuses on CMRL-Exalogic transactions
The investigation centres on alleged financial transactions between Exalogic Solutions, an IT firm owned by Veena Vijayan, and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited.
Investigators are examining the nature of the transactions and the flow of funds between the entities as part of a broader money laundering probe.
The latest summons follows a series of searches conducted by the ED at locations linked to Veena Vijayan, Exalogic and others connected to the case.
ED gains access to key records
The agency’s action comes shortly after a special court dealing with corporate offences allowed the ED access to documents linked to a report prepared by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).
The court rejected a plea filed by CMRL seeking to prevent the sharing of the records.
Among the documents sought by the ED are agreements between Exalogic and CMRL, income tax records and other financial documents related to the transactions under scrutiny.
Officials are expected to use the records and evidence collected during recent searches to further examine individuals linked to the case.
Bank accounts frozen during investigation
Sources said the ED has gathered substantial documentary, digital and financial evidence during the course of the investigation.
As part of its probe, the agency recently froze nearly Rs 18 crore held across 242 bank accounts.
One of the frozen accounts is reportedly linked to Veena Vijayan and is said to contain approximately Rs 1.5 lakh.
Investigators are now expected to verify financial transactions and examine the movement of funds connected to the case.
Political reactions and protests
The ED’s action has triggered strong political reactions in Kerala.
Workers of the CPI(M) and the Left Democratic Front staged protests against the searches and investigation, alleging political targeting by central agencies.
Some demonstrations turned violent, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, leading to police action. Authorities registered cases against around 300 individuals and arrested several people in connection with the unrest.
According to the FIR filed by ED officials, agency personnel, police officers and CRPF personnel were allegedly attacked during the protests.
The Kerala government has defended the police response, while opposition parties have accused the ruling front of attempting to obstruct the investigation.
Focus shifts to questioning
With summons now issued and access to key documents secured, the ED is expected to intensify its examination of the financial transactions under investigation.
Friday’s questioning of Veena Vijayan and other individuals linked to the case is likely to be a significant step in the agency’s ongoing probe into the CMRL-Exalogic transactions.
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