Veena Vijayan summoned by ED in CMRL-Exalogic case; Asked to appear on Friday
Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, for questioning in connection with the alleged financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions.
According to the notice, Veena has been directed to appear before ED officials at the agency's Kochi office on Friday. Reports also suggest that notices have been issued to eight others linked to the case and entities associated with CMRL.
The summons marks the first time Veena Vijayan has been called for direct questioning by the central agency as part of its money laundering investigation. ED officials had earlier collected documents and sought explanations regarding the transactions during searches conducted in the case. Investigators reportedly found the responses submitted so far insufficient, leading to the summons.
The ED had earlier conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the case, including the residences of Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena Vijayan's husband Muhammad Riyas and senior officials associated with CMRL.
Background: CMRL-Exalogic case
The case centres on allegations that CMRL made payments to Exalogic Solutions, a company owned by Veena Vijayan, for services that were allegedly not provided. The ED is examining whether the transactions violated provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The investigation gained momentum after Kerala High Court Division Bench allowed the ED to continue its probe. The bench dismissed an appeal filed by CMRL challenging an earlier single-judge order that had upheld the agency's investigation.
In its ruling, the court observed that the ED can initiate proceedings under the PMLA and even provisionally attach assets without necessarily waiting for an FIR or complaint from another investigating agency.
The court also declined CMRL's request for temporary protection from action while it explores legal options before the Supreme Court.