Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 19: Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday reacted strongly to questions surrounding the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) inspection of his daughter Veena Vijayan’s bank locker, asserting that there was nothing to conceal in the ongoing investigation related to the CMRL–Exalogic financial transactions case.
Responding to reporters, Vijayan dismissed concerns over the search and said the authorities had previously visited his residence as well.
“Yes, they came home recently too. You can take your cameras and see for yourself what is there. Please go and check,” he said.
Earlier in the day, an ED team accompanied by CRPF personnel visited an HDFC Bank branch on M.G. Road in Thiruvananthapuram and examined a locker operated by Veena Vijayan.
The inspection lasted nearly three hours, after which both ED officials and Veena left the premises.
The action comes shortly after Veena appeared before the ED office in Kochi, where she was questioned for more than eight hours regarding alleged financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and her company, Exalogic Solutions.
The central agency is investigating the financial trail linked to payments made by CMRL to Exalogic and is seeking details about the nature of services allegedly provided, the utilisation of funds received and related financial dealings.
During the questioning, Veena reportedly told investigators that she had offered software-related services and professional guidance to CMRL and that all discussions were conducted directly with company officials.
However, the ED is examining whether payments were made for services that were either inadequately documented or not actually delivered, based on observations made by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).
Investigators are also scrutinising the movement and utilisation of funds received by Veena and Exalogic, including transactions connected to a loan extended by CMRL subsidiary EICLPL to her company.
Sources indicated that the agency was not entirely satisfied with some of the explanations provided during the initial round of questioning and may summon Veena again after reviewing additional documents.
The probe is expected to intensify once the ED receives supporting materials attached to the SFIO charge sheet.
So far, the agency has questioned several senior officials associated with CMRL, including Joint Managing Director Sharan Kartha, Director Jaya Kartha and Shibi Kartha.
The CMRL–Exalogic case has emerged as a significant political issue in Kerala, with Opposition parties alleging financial irregularities, while Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) have consistently denied any wrongdoing.