The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has broadened its investigation into the alleged CMRL-Exalogic ‘masappadi’ case to scrutinize whether Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. received undue favors from the former LDF government. T. Veena, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, underwent over 10 hours of questioning in Kochi.
Officials are looking into the monthly payments made by CMRL to Veena’s IT firm, Exalogic Solutions, to determine if they were linked to benefits from the state government. Suspected irregularities in the consultancy agreement between Exalogic and CMRL are being probed for possible quid pro quo arrangements.
Veena faced a second round of questioning after the Kerala High Court allowed further investigation. She was accompanied by her husband, Kerala Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, and is expected to be summoned again. The ED’s inquiry was fueled by 134 annexures from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office charge sheet.
Sources revealed that ED officials sought clarifications on Exalogic’s financial dealings with CMRL and alleged favors from the government during Pinarayi Vijayan’s tenure. Veena defended the contract awarded to Exalogic, stating its regularity, but the agency is yet to be convinced.
The case originated from the Income Tax Settlement Commission’s findings that CMRL paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic without receiving corresponding IT services. Following this, the ED initiated a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Veena was questioned on Exalogic’s services and her HDFC Bank locker was inspected.
Having completed questioning CMRL officials, the ED is set to intensify its probe into the financial transactions and alleged connections between payments and government decisions.
