CMRL-Exalogic case: ED raids four Kozhikode locations; Veena’s diary under scanner
Kozhikode: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic financial transaction case, conducting simultaneous searches at more than four locations in Kozhikode on Tuesday.
The raids, which began around 7 am, come after a brief lull in the probe and are reportedly part of the agency’s latest phase of investigation. The searches are focused on people linked to former Kerala minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas and his wife Veena T.
Searches at homes and establishments
ED teams are conducting searches at the residence of Nandulal, a native of Kunduparamba and former DTPC destination manager, and the residence of P. Nikhil, a CPM district secretariat member and district sports council president.
Both are reportedly friends of Riyas.
Other locations being searched include Nandulal’s establishment on Sarovaram Road and Capital Marbles and Granites at Pantheerankavu, reportedly owned by Varish Kalathingal.
ED officials arrived in multiple teams and began searches at the locations simultaneously. Central security personnel have been deployed at the residences and establishments during the operation.
Veena’s diary under ED scanner
According to information emerging from the ongoing searches, the ED allegedly obtained details about Nikhil and others from Veena’s diary.
The agency had earlier searched the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as well as Riyas’ residence in Kozhikode. Veena, Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter, has also been questioned twice in connection with the case.
The latest searches are being carried out ahead of the filing of the first chargesheet against those accused in the case, according to information emerging from the investigation.
The investigation has also reportedly expanded beyond Exalogic.
According to information from the latest searches, the ED has learnt of another company allegedly registered in Veena’s name under Laker India Corporation. The agency recovered documents related to the company during a search at Veena’s residence on May 27. These documents are now believed to be part of the wider investigation.
The agency has previously questioned several people connected to CMRL as part of the probe.
The searches are still underway, and further details about the documents and other material recovered by the ED are expected to emerge. CPM leaders have so far not issued a response to the latest raids.