ED Summons Pinarayi Vijayan's Daughter Veena Again. (Image Internet)
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh summons to Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, directing her to appear for questioning on June 29 in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation.
The latest notice comes days after Veena underwent an extensive round of questioning at the ED's Kochi office. Investigators are examining financial transactions linked to her now-defunct IT company, Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, and mining firm Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL).
According to reports, the ED decided to seek further clarification after reviewing Veena's earlier statement and documents gathered during the probe. The agency had also inspected bank lockers linked to her as part of the investigation.
Officials believe additional questioning may help establish a clearer understanding of the financial transactions under scrutiny.
The investigation centres on allegations that CMRL transferred ₹2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions without receiving corresponding services. The agency is also examining loans reportedly extended to Exalogic by another company associated with CMRL's management.
Investigators are assessing whether these transactions resulted in proceeds of crime under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED initiated its case after taking note of findings submitted by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which had conducted a separate inquiry into the matter. The SFIO alleged that financial arrangements existed between Exalogic and CMRL that did not reflect genuine business services.
Subsequently, a prosecution complaint related to the matter was filed before a court in Kerala.
The probe has expanded beyond Veena Vijayan. Members of the family of CMRL Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha have also been questioned in recent days. Investigators are examining records connected to multiple firms linked to the Kartha family.
With additional documents now available to the ED, the agency's inquiry is expected to continue in the coming weeks as it seeks to establish the full scope of the alleged financial irregularities.
