1 week ago
CPI(M) Challenges ED Money Laundering Probe as Political Vendetta
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating a money-laundering case involving T Veena, the daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The case involves a company called CMRL and Veena’s now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions.
Investigators allege that CMRL paid Exalogic Rs 2.78 crore without receiving services.
The CPI(M) says the investigation is being used to target its leaders for political reasons.
The party says agencies should collect evidence and follow the law rather than release unproven allegations.
The ED says it found handwritten notes about money transfers to Dubai during searches.
It also reported finding evidence connected to a SIM card allegedly used by Veena.
The CPI(M) says only a court can decide whether anyone is guilty.
The CPI(M) accused the Enforcement Directorate of using the probe involving T Veena for political vendetta.
The case concerns alleged payments of Rs 2.78 crore from CMRL to Exalogic Solutions without services being provided.
The Enforcement Directorate said searches uncovered handwritten notes about fund transfers to Dubai and digital-device evidence involving a SIM card.
The ED registered the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on an SFIO complaint filed in Kochi.
The CPI(M) said allegations, raids and media reports do not establish guilt, which only a court can determine.
- Who
- The CPI(M), the Enforcement Directorate, T Veena, CMRL and Exalogic Solutions are central to the matter.
- What
- The CPI(M) criticized the ED’s money-laundering investigation involving Veena and alleged political vendetta.
- Where
- The investigation involves Kerala, with searches reported in Kozhikode and an SFIO complaint filed before a court in Kochi.
- When
- The report was dated August 21; the ED said fresh searches took place on August 18 and issued a statement on Wednesday.
- Why
- The ED is investigating alleged payments from CMRL to Exalogic Solutions, while the CPI(M) says the probe is politically motivated.
CPI(M)’s Position
Enforcement Directorate’s Position
Purpose of the investigation
CPI(M)’s Position
The CPI(M) alleges the ED is being used as a political weapon to target the party and its leaders.
Enforcement Directorate’s Position
The ED is pursuing a money-laundering case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on the basis of an SFIO complaint.
Evidence and allegations
CPI(M)’s Position
The CPI(M) says allegations, raids, FIR references and media reports do not establish criminal guilt, which can be decided only by a court.
Enforcement Directorate’s Position
The ED said it found handwritten notes about fund transfers to Dubai and digital-device evidence concerning a SIM card allegedly used by Veena.
Public communication
CPI(M)’s Position
The CPI(M) accused the agency of creating fear, prolonging the case and releasing allegations through the media as political campaigning.
Enforcement Directorate’s Position
The ED has publicly described evidence and searches involving people named in Veena’s handwritten accounts and the alleged SIM-card provider.
Key facts
- Case
- A money-laundering investigation involving CMRL and Exalogic Solutions.
- Alleged payment
- Rs 2.78 crore allegedly paid by CMRL to Exalogic without services in return.
- Investigative basis
- The ED registered the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on an SFIO prosecution complaint.
- ED evidence claim
- The ED said searches found handwritten notes detailing certain fund transfers to Dubai.
- Fresh searches
- The ED said it conducted searches on August 18 in Kozhikode.
- CPI(M) position
- The party called the probe a political witch-hunt and said allegations do not prove guilt.
Quotes
CPI(M) editorial in Deshabhimani Daily
Editorial published in the CPI(M)'s party newspaper
“An allegation does not make a person a criminal. A name appearing in an FIR, a raid being conducted or a report appearing in the media does not prove guilt.”
theprint.in
“Investigating agencies are not political weapons of the ruling dispensation; they are institutions accountable to the Constitution and the law.”
theprint.in
Sources
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