ED may delay probe into CM Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter's company

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate will investigate the dubious Rs 1.72 crore received by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena Vijayan's company Exalogic Solutions from Aluva-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).

However, it is suggested that ED will delay the procedures of issuing notice to CMRL asking for documents and senior officers to appear for testimony.

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) have earlier unearthed details of 12 firms paying huge sums of money to Exalogic. ED will also conduct a preliminary investigation into this case. CMRL's documents regarding the transaction will be thoroughly scrutinised as a first step investigation move. Then the bank transactions will also be checked. The statements of CMRL officials who handled the transactions will also be taken. If ED confirms that illegal payments are being made without services, the investigation will extend to Exalogic under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), considering it as black money.

A preliminary investigation was initiated before the registration of an FIR. An Enforcement Case Information Report authorizing the issuance of notices to the concerned persons was prepared on February 13 but no further action has been initiated considering the ongoing SFIO investigation.

ED sources indicate that a detailed investigation will be delayed till the completion of SFIO's investigation. Investigations conducted by the Income Tax Department and SFIO also found that the amount transferred was not for any service rendered. Investigations conducted by the Registrar of Companies in Ernakulam and Bengaluru also found critical evidence against Exalogic firm.