The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into the CMRL–Exalogic monthly payment case, involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter Veena T, is progressing significantly. There are indications that Veena might be charged under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act soon. Investigators plan to question Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the alleged payments made by CMRL to Veena’s IT firm, Exalogic Solutions.
The case gained traction after CMRL Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha stated that the contract with Exalogic was awarded due to his close ties with Pinarayi Vijayan. Kartha revealed that neither Veena nor Exalogic provided any services to CMRL despite receiving payments. This statement, crucial for the ED, was recorded during Kartha’s interrogation in April 2024, strengthening the money laundering case.
The ED has initiated attachment proceedings and frozen deposits totaling Rs 16.5 lakh belonging to Veena. Additionally, Rs 15.5 lakh has been frozen, and Veena’s bank locker is under attachment. The investigation also uncovered minimal balances in Veena’s and Exalogic’s bank accounts, prompting the ED to freeze assets to safeguard evidence related to the alleged crime proceeds.
Assets and financial investments worth Rs 26 crore belonging to Sasidharan Kartha and his family have also been frozen. With Kartha’s statement as a cornerstone, the ED is preparing to name Veena as an accused and investigate potential political influence on the payments made by CMRL. Once the attachment proceedings are approved, the ED will intensify the probe, likely summoning Pinarayi Vijayan for further questioning.
