The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has launched an investigation into an alleged illegal payment scandal involving Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and a member of the CPI(M) politburo. The probe stems from allegations that Veena’s information technology firm, Exalogic Solutions Private Limited, received Rs 1.72 crore from Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) over three years without providing any services.
Last year, an income tax department report raised concerns about the purported illegal payments from CMRL to Exalogic Solutions. Following this, other central government agencies, including the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, also initiated investigations into Veena’s firm.
The Karnataka High Court recently dismissed a petition filed by Exalogic Solutions Private Limited challenging the SFIO’s probe. Additionally, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), which holds equity in CMRL, contested the SFIO’s investigation in the high court. However, the court not only declined to halt the probe but also demanded that KSIDC demonstrate its integrity.
The ED’s involvement in the case comes after Shone George, a member of the Kottayam district panchayat and the son of senior politician P C George, who recently joined the BJP, filed a complaint seeking a probe into Veena’s firm, CMRL, and the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation. Allegations raised by Shone George suggest that Exalogic Solutions’ financial dealings may involve money laundering, prompting the request for ED’s intervention.
The initiation of the ED’s probe adds another layer of scrutiny to the ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal payments. As the case unfolds, it is likely to draw significant attention due to its connections with prominent political figures and government entities in Kerala. Authorities will be under pressure to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover any wrongdoing and uphold accountability in financial transactions involving public entities and private firms.
Comments