The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated legal action against Veena Vijayan, daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and her IT company, Exalogic Solutions, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This move comes in response to alleged irregular payments made to Veena Vijayan’s firm by Cochin Minerals And Rutile Ltd (CMRL), a private mineral company based in Kochi.
According to sources within the ED, the case stems from a complaint lodged by the serious fraud investigation office following directives from the Central government to investigate the matter. The allegation revolves around CMRL purportedly transferring ₹1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions between 2017 and 2018 without receiving any corresponding services.
Reports indicate that CMRL continued to make monthly payments to Exalogic Solutions despite the absence of tangible services, allegedly due to Veena Vijayan’s association with “a prominent person.” Exalogic Solutions had previously contested the probe by the serious fraud investigation office, prompting legal action. The Karnataka High Court recently dismissed Exalogic’s petition, asserting that it could not impede the Union government’s investigative responsibilities.
In response to these developments, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan defended his daughter’s company, stating in a January session of the Kerala Assembly that Exalogic Solutions was established using his wife’s retirement funds. He vehemently refuted the accusations leveled against his family, labeling them as baseless.
The ED’s decision to file a case under the PMLA signifies a significant escalation in the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Veena Vijayan’s business dealings. This development is likely to draw further attention and scrutiny within Kerala’s political landscape, with implications for both the Vijayan administration and the broader business community.
Sources By Agencies