Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 9 (PTI) The ED summons to T Veena, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a money-laundering case triggered political reactions on Tuesday, with CPI(M) leaders seeking to distance the party from the matter and saying that she would deal with it through legal channels.
The remarks also came in the wake of criticism over a violent protest allegedly carried out by party workers following the recent ED raid at Veena’s residence here in connection with the case.
Reacting to the development, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas said the law should take its own course in the matter.
“Veena’s case should proceed on its own merits. Let the investigation take its course,” Brittas told reporters in New Delhi.
He said Veena had already furnished details before the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).
Seeking an ED investigation into the donations made by a Kerala-based sand mining company named Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) to leaders of various political parties, Brittas called for a comprehensive probe into the company’s political contributions.
Claiming that certain political parties had acknowledged receiving funds from the company, Brittas said questions should also be raised regarding whether such contributions were duly disclosed to the Election Commission.
“When viewed in that context, the disputes relating to Veena’s case are comparatively small,” he said.
Senior CPI(M) leader P K Krishnadas said the party need not officially comment on a case involving Veena as it has no connection with the CPI (M).
“She is capable of handling the matter legally. She will take care of her case. There is no need for the CPI (M) to say opinion in this,” he said.
Senior CPI(M) leader K K Shailaja also said the case pertained to Veena and not the party.
“Let the summons come. Veena will respond and produce the necessary documents. This has nothing to do with Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan. Therefore, CPI(M) need not reply to it,” she said.
The statements by CPI(M) leaders appeared to distance the party from the case involving Veena amid attempts by political opponents to link it to her father and party leader Vijayan.
When reporters sought his reaction, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said, “Let the ED investigation take its own course.” Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, however, alleged that more details were yet to emerge in the case.
He claimed that if a CBI investigation was ordered, Pinarayi Vijayan could also come under scrutiny. Kuzhalnadan further alleged that Veena had received money without providing any services.
BJP leader Shone George, one of the complainants in the case, said questioning the accused was the natural next step in the investigation.
“One of the accused is the daughter of a former chief minister. The ED should move ahead by closing all loopholes and establishing the case,” he said.
The reactions came after the ED summoned Veena for questioning on June 12 at its Kochi zonal office in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to Kerala-based mining company CMRL.
Officials said her statement would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Some other individuals have also reportedly been summoned as part of the probe.
The investigation pertains to a money laundering case against CMRL and Veena’s now defunct company Exalogic Solutions Private Limited.
The ED raided Veena, living in the rented home of Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, last month, along with some other locations.
The ED probe pertains to an allegation that CMRL made fraudulent payments worth Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions under the guise of IT consultancy services.
Another company named Empower India Capital Investment Private Limited (EICPL), operated by CMRL MD Sasidharan Kartha, also extended Rs 50 lakh worth of loans to Exalogic despite the company (Exalogic) failing to make timely repayments, according to the ED.
The agency claimed that the management of CMRL (led by Kartha) and Veena generated “proceeds of crime” in this process. PTI LGK ROH
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