The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to summon Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, for another round of questioning next week as the Exalogic-CMRL financial transactions case widens significantly beyond its original scope. What began as an inquiry into alleged monthly payments to Veena's company has now expanded into a probe involving suspected hawala dealings and a broader network of financial transactions, according to reports citing ED findings.

How the Probe Has Widened

The investigation, initially focused on alleged payments to Veena Vijayan's company, has taken a more serious turn after the ED reportedly recovered handwritten records during earlier searches. Investigators are said to have traced financial transactions of approximately ₹20 crore and are examining the movement and receipt of these funds. Financial dealings involving two companies are also under active scrutiny.

Notably, the ED is also examining a SIM card used by Veena as part of efforts to establish a chain of communications and financial transactions. The agency is expected to issue her a fresh notice for questioning in the coming week.

Raids Target CPI(M) Members in Kozhikode

In a significant escalation, the ED recently conducted raids at nine locations in and around Kozhikode, targeting six individuals — including two senior-level Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) members of the Kozhikode party organisation. The searches at the residences of people reportedly close to P.A. Mohammed Riyas — a minister, CPI(M) legislator, and Veena Vijayan's husband — have sent shockwaves through the party.

The probe appears to have moved beyond Veena and towards people in Riyas's immediate circle, raising questions within the party over how far the investigation could ultimately extend.

CPI(M) Prepares Political Counteroffensive

The widening probe has triggered an organised political response from the CPI(M). The party suspects a deliberate political agenda behind the ED's decision to publicly identify Veena as the 'daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan' in its official press release — an unusual reference that the party believes was intended to maximise political impact.

A major political convention has been called in Kozhikode on Sunday to address party workers and the public, framing the investigation as targeted action by a central agency against the party. State secretary M.V. Govindan is expected to lead the political campaign. The CPI(M) leadership is reportedly concerned by what it sees as an inadequate response to the recent raids.

What Hangs in the Balance

The central question confronting the CPI(M) is whether the ED's expanding probe will remain confined to Veena, move towards Riyas and his associates, or eventually reach former Chief Minister Vijayan himself. The developments have left the party leadership increasingly anxious, given the trajectory of the investigation.

This is not the first time the Exalogic-CMRL matter has generated political heat — but the addition of suspected hawala angles and the targeting of party functionaries marks a qualitative shift. All eyes are now on how the ED proceeds in the coming days, and whether Riyas himself could face scrutiny.