Investigation – ED Questions Veena T for Nearly Ten Hours in CMRL Case

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Investigation – Veena T, the daughter of Kerala’s former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Kochi on Wednesday for extensive questioning related to an ongoing money laundering investigation involving her company, Exalogic Solutions, and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL). The interaction with investigators lasted for almost ten hours, concluding in the evening.

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Appearance Before Investigators

Veena reached the ED office at around 10:30 a.m. accompanied by her husband, P. A. Mohamed Riyas, a former minister. After dropping her at the office, he left the premises. Officials continued their examination throughout the day, with the proceedings ending at approximately 8 p.m.

Tight Security Around ED Office

Authorities maintained a significant police presence around the Enforcement Directorate office due to the high-profile nature of the inquiry. Security arrangements were also strengthened in light of an incident last month when ED personnel reportedly faced hostility from a crowd while leaving the residence of Pinarayi Vijayan after conducting searches connected to the investigation.

Focus on Financial Transactions

According to sources familiar with the matter, investigators sought explanations regarding funds amounting to Rs 2.78 crore that Exalogic Solutions allegedly received from CMRL. Officials reportedly questioned the circumstances surrounding these payments and how the money was utilized.

The inquiry also covered a loan of Rs 50 lakh received from Empower India Capital Investments Pvt Ltd. Investigators are examining the financial links associated with the transaction, including the role of individuals connected to the company.

Examination of Assets

Sources indicated that the ED gathered information regarding Veena’s assets and financial holdings. Officials are reportedly assessing whether any assets were purchased using funds that are currently under investigation. If evidence suggests such a connection, the agency may consider legal action, including attachment of those assets under relevant provisions.

Role of SFIO Findings

The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation is based largely on findings submitted by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). Recently, the agency obtained permission from a special court in Kochi to access records collected during the SFIO probe.

However, officials are still awaiting a set of 134 documents that form part of the SFIO report and are considered important for the ongoing examination of financial transactions linked to the case.

Fresh Summons Issued

The ED had originally directed Veena to appear before investigators on June 12. She reportedly informed the agency that she was unable to attend because of health-related reasons. Following this communication, a fresh notice was issued asking her to appear on June 17, which she complied with.

Allegations Under Investigation

The SFIO had previously reported that Exalogic Solutions received substantial payments from CMRL for services that were allegedly not provided. These findings became a significant basis for the ED’s money laundering probe.

During searches conducted at multiple locations on May 27, the agency froze 242 bank accounts containing a combined amount of Rs 18.36 crore. One of the accounts affected by the action reportedly belongs to Veena, a detail that was publicly acknowledged by Pinarayi Vijayan.