The Enforcement Directorate has issued a fresh summons to Veena Thaikandiyil, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, regarding the CMRL monthly payment case. She is directed to appear before the agency in Kochi on June 17 after her request to submit documents through lawyers was rejected. The agency’s probe focuses on financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Veena’s company.
The ED granted Veena five more days to appear after she cited medical examination details in an email seeking additional time. The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) is set to provide key documents related to the case to the ED by Monday, following a court order rejecting CMRL’s objections. These documents include records of financial dealings between CMRL and Veena’s firm.
Veena is likely to be questioned by the ED on the services provided by her company to the mineral-based firm in exchange for payments. The agency aims to clarify the alleged receipt of Rs 2.78 lakh as remuneration and verify the legitimacy of the business services behind the payments. BJP leader Shone George, the complainant in the SFIO case, believes that delaying questioning will not alter the evidence against Veena.
Before questioning Veena, the ED plans to take statements from CMRL directors and senior officials, including the Chief Financial Officer. Previous statements from company officials, including CFO Suresh Kumar, will also be reviewed as part of the investigation.
