Kochi: Veena Vijayan, daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, returned from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Kochi on Wednesday evening after being questioned for more than eight hours in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic case. She left the premises without responding to questions from the media.

Veena arrived at the ED office at around 10.27 a.m. and, according to sources, questioning began around 11 a.m. after a wait of nearly 30 minutes. She left the office later in the evening following a day-long round of questioning by investigators.

Her husband, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Kerala's Public Works Minister and Beypore MLA, accompanied her to the ED office in the same vehicle. He left the premises shortly after Veena entered the office.

Black mask draws attention outside ED office

As Veena stepped out of her vehicle and entered the ED premises, she was seen wearing a black mask, a detail that attracted attention given the political symbolism associated with the colour in Kerala.

During the tenure of the Left Democratic Front government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, black flags, black clothing and black masks have frequently been used by protesters to express dissent at public events attended by the Chief Minister. Such demonstrations often resulted in police intervention.

Against that backdrop, the image of the Chief Minister's daughter arriving at the office of a central investigating agency wearing a black mask became one of the most discussed visuals of the day.

Investigation centres on Exalogic-CMRL transactions

The ED has summoned Veena as part of its investigation into alleged transactions between Exalogic Solutions, the Bengaluru-based information technology company founded by her, and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).

The case surfaced nearly 30 months ago and has since remained a major political issue in Kerala.

Heavy security arrangements were in place outside the ED office, with police personnel deployed across the area and media crews stationed outside the premises from early morning.

Fresh notice issued after earlier absence

The ED had recently conducted a search at the Thiruvananthapuram residence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, where Veena is staying.

She had initially been asked to appear before the agency last week. Veena informed the ED that she was unwell and offered to submit documents through her counsel.

The agency did not accept the request and subsequently issued a fresh notice directing her to appear in person.

Wednesday's appearance marked her latest interaction with investigators as the agency continues its probe into the alleged financial dealings linked to Exalogic Solutions and CMRL.