9 hrs ago
Kerala Awaits Legal Opinion on ED Plea Against Vijayan
The Enforcement Directorate has asked Kerala police to register a case involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others.
The request is connected to payments allegedly made by a mining company called CMRL.
The ED says Rs 2.78 crore was paid to a company once run by Vijayan’s daughter, Veena T. The agency describes these payments as fraudulent and disguised as IT consultancy fees.
Kerala’s government has not yet decided what to do.
It is waiting for legal advice from the Advocate General.
That advice is expected today or tomorrow.
After receiving it, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala will discuss the matter with Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
Chennithala said the government is prepared for an investigation.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said legal advice on the Enforcement Directorate’s request is still pending.
The request seeks an FIR against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, P A Mohammed Riyas and others.
The Advocate General has been asked to examine the ED report and provide an opinion, expected today or tomorrow.
The ED alleges that CMRL made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Veena’s company, Exalogic Solutions.
Chennithala said the government was ready for any investigation and would decide after consulting Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate, former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, P A Mohammed Riyas and the Kerala government are central to the matter.
- What
- The ED has requested registration of an FIR based on alleged payments involving CMRL and Exalogic Solutions.
- Where
- The matter concerns Kerala, with CMRL based in Kochi and searches linked to Veena conducted in Thiruvananthapuram.
- When
- The legal opinion was expected Thursday or Friday, according to Ramesh Chennithala.
- Why
- The ED says it found evidence during its investigation and searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, including alleged fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore.
Kerala Government’s Position
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
Whether an FIR should be registered
Kerala Government’s Position
The government is waiting for the Advocate General’s legal opinion before deciding whether to proceed.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED has asked the state police chief to register an FIR based on evidence it says was gathered during its investigation and searches.
Nature of the payments
Kerala Government’s Position
The government has not reached a conclusion and says the ED report must first be examined legally.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED alleges that CMRL made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions under the guise of IT consultancy services.
Investigation readiness
Kerala Government’s Position
Ramesh Chennithala said the government is ready for any investigation and that no one should feel reassured by the issue.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED’s request targets Vijayan, Veena T, Mohammed Riyas and others in connection with alleged payments and evidence collected under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Key facts
- Agency seeking FIR
- Enforcement Directorate
- People named
- Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, P A Mohammed Riyas and others
- Company involved
- Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL), based in Kochi
- Recipient company
- Exalogic Solutions, described as Veena T’s now-defunct company
- Alleged amount
- Rs 2.78 crore
- Legal opinion
- The Advocate General was asked to examine the ED report; an opinion was expected today or tomorrow
- Next decision
- Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the matter would be discussed with Chief Minister V D Satheesan
Quotes
Ramesh Chennithala
Kerala Home Minister
“No one should feel reassured. The names of several people, including BJP and CPI(M) leaders, are yet to come out. The government is ready for any investigation.”
deccanchronicle.com
“The legal opinion is expected to receive today or tomorrow. Once it is received, the matter will be discussed with the CM and a decision will be taken.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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