Veena Thaikandi, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has requested a rescheduling of her questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the ‘monthly payment’ case due to health reasons. She informed the ED through email about her inability to attend as planned and expressed readiness to provide all requested documents. Veena’s legal representatives will present the necessary records on her behalf at the Kochi office.
The ED has agreed to accommodate Veena’s request for a new date but is likely to issue a fresh summons. The investigation focuses on financial transactions between Veena’s IT firm Exalogic and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL). The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) flagged potential financial irregularities related to payments from CMRL under questionable expense categories.
Authorities are probing potential money laundering aspects of the transactions. Records show that Veena received Rs 2.78 crore from CMRL between 2016 and 2021, along with a Rs 50 lakh loan from Empower India Capital. The ED is scrutinizing the legitimacy of these payments, including the presence of genuine services, proper invoices, and tax documentation.
The situation has sparked political controversy, with heightened scrutiny on the Opposition Leader’s family. Veena’s decision to seek a postponement reportedly follows legal consultations on the implications of her ED appearance. Previous ED searches resulted in freezing over Rs 18 crore in 242 accounts, including three accounts linked to Veena at Dhanlaxmi Bank and HDFC Bank.
Notices have been issued to CMRL Managing Director S.N. Kartha, his family members, and other key company figures. As the investigation intensifies, the Masappadi case poses a significant political test for the CPI(M) leadership, prompting demands for accountability from rival parties and increased pressure on Vijayan. The ED’s upcoming actions are eagerly awaited as the case progresses.
