Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has received the Serious Fraud Investigation Office charge sheet, implicating Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter, Veena Vijayan, in a corruption case. The controversies surrounding this case are escalating, with both political and legal battles anticipated.Key Takeaways
- ED receives SFIO charge sheet.
- Veena Vijayan named as an accused.
- Allegations of illegal payments from CMRL.
- Preparations to challenge SFIO proceedings.
- Political and legal implications for CM Vijayan.
Kochi, April 15 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has received a copy of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) charge sheet, which was filed at an economic offences court here. This has raised concerns for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter Veena Vijayan, as her name is listed as an accused.
The SFIO filed its charge sheet last week regarding an illicit transaction involving Veena Vijayan's former IT company, Exalogic, and the Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL). The investigation revealed that her firm allegedly received approximately Rs 2.70 crore monthly from CMRL for mining approvals.
After reviewing the charge sheet, the court has initiated steps to issue summons to all involved parties in this corruption case.
Meanwhile, the ED has also commenced a preliminary investigation into this matter. Previously, both the Karnataka and Kerala High Courts dismissed petitions filed by Veena and the state-run Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), which has a stake in CMRL.
Veena Vijayan and others named in the charge sheet are considering appealing to a higher court to obtain a stay on the SFIO proceedings. However, they need to receive the summons first, which is a growing concern.
With the Kochi economic offences court now registering a case and the SFIO facing restrictions in probing cases under the Public Money Laundering Act, it is the ED that will manage such matters. This situation could become precarious for Veena Vijayan, as the ED possesses the authority to arrest individuals involved in these cases.
Both Vijayan and the CPI-M have expressed their intent to contest the case through legal and political means.
The Chief Minister has shown irritation with media coverage of the issue, accusing them of pursuing his downfall by demanding his resignation.
