Senior CPI(M) Politburo member and former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan faced scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as officials visited his Thiruvananthapuram residence regarding the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payment case. The ED has already taken a statement from Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan, whose company, Exalogic Solutions, is central to the investigation. While Vijayan has not been interrogated yet, there are indications that his statement may be recorded as the inquiry progresses.
The operation commenced around 6 a.m., a day after the Kerala High Court permitted the ED to proceed with its probe into alleged financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic. Simultaneously, ED teams conducted searches at 10 locations in Kerala, including Vijayan’s rented residence near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, where Veena Vijayan resides. Searches were also carried out at CMRL offices and locations linked to senior company officials, including Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha.
Investigators are examining digital devices, financial documents, and transaction records related to the alleged monthly payments. The ED officials also visited the residence of Beypore CPI(M) legislator P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is Veena Vijayan’s husband. The probe is based on allegations that Exalogic Solutions received significant payments from CMRL without providing legitimate services in return.
Previous findings by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and observations during Income Tax proceedings had raised concerns about suspicious financial arrangements termed as “monthly retainers.” The Kerala High Court, on Tuesday, rejected petitions by CMRL and its officials to halt the ED investigation, citing indications of potential money laundering. This paved the way for the raids and questioning on Wednesday.
This development represents a major investigation involving a senior CPI(M) leader in recent times. Despite the Left Front dismissing the case as politically driven, the ED’s actions have heightened political tensions in Kerala. Investigators are also looking into whether the transactions breached the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and potential tax and foreign exchange violations. Further summons and questioning of key individuals linked to the case are anticipated in the upcoming days.
