3 hrs ago
Riyas Rejects ED Hawala Claims Involving Wife Veena
P A Mohamed Riyas said reports about his wife Veena’s alleged hawala dealings were false.
Hawala is an informal way of transferring money.
The Enforcement Directorate says it found notes and money details that may show transfers to Dubai.
Riyas says the notes were about a business Veena hoped to start in the future.
He said Veena never admitted to handling black money.
The ED has asked the police to investigate several people, including Riyas, Veena and Pinarayi Vijayan.
The agency is also examining payments made by CMRL to Veena’s former company.
Riyas said the accusations were meant to damage Veena’s reputation.
He said the allegations would be challenged through legal means.
CPI(M) leader P A Mohamed Riyas denied reports that his wife, Veena T, admitted to hawala transactions.
Riyas said notes found by the Enforcement Directorate concerned a planned future business, not black money.
The ED reportedly cited a red book as evidence of alleged hawala transfers to Dubai involving Veena and Riyas.
The agency asked Kerala’s police chief to register an FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena, Riyas and others.
The ED alleges that CMRL made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Veena’s defunct company, Exalogic Solutions.
- Who
- CPI(M) leader and Beypore MLA P A Mohamed Riyas, his wife Veena T, Pinarayi Vijayan, the Enforcement Directorate and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd.
- What
- Riyas rejected alleged hawala claims against Veena, while the ED reportedly sought an FIR over evidence gathered during its CMRL bribery-case probe.
- Where
- The statements were made in Kozhikode, while the searches included a rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram and the alleged transfers reportedly involved Dubai.
- When
- Riyas spoke on Tuesday; the reported notes were found in May, premises linked to Veena were searched in June, and the ED’s letter was sent recently.
- Why
- The ED says its evidence supports allegations of hawala transfers and fraudulent payments; Riyas says the claims are defamatory and linked to political timing.
Riyas and Veena’s Position
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
Meaning of the notes
Riyas and Veena’s Position
Riyas says the notes found by the ED were related to a future business Veena was planning and did not document black-money dealings.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED reportedly views entries in a red book, including money details, as evidence connected to alleged hawala transfers.
Hawala admission
Riyas and Veena’s Position
Riyas called reports that Veena admitted to hawala transactions false and defamatory.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
Media reports citing the ED said the agency linked Veena and Riyas to alleged hawala transfers to Dubai.
CMRL payments
Riyas and Veena’s Position
Riyas rejected the broader allegations and said they would be addressed legally.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED alleges that CMRL fraudulently paid Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions under the guise of IT consultancy services.
Timing and motive
Riyas and Veena’s Position
Riyas questioned why the reports emerged as the CPI(M)’s extended state committee meeting was concluding and alleged an attempt to defame Veena.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED’s reported request for an FIR was based on evidence from its investigation and searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Key facts
- Alleged CMRL payment
- The ED alleges CMRL made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions.
- Company recipient
- Exalogic Solutions, Veena’s now-defunct company, allegedly received the payments under the guise of IT consultancy services.
- Reported evidence
- The ED reportedly cited entries in a red book recovered from Veena during a search.
- Alleged transfers
- Media reports said the ED linked notes and money details to alleged hawala transfers to Dubai by Veena and Riyas.
- Requested action
- The ED asked Kerala’s Director General of Police to register an FIR against Vijayan, Veena, Riyas and others.
- Riyas’s response
- Riyas said the notes concerned a planned future business and denied any admission of black money dealings.
- Investigation basis
- The ED said its request was based on evidence gathered during its probe and searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Quotes
P A Mohamed Riyas
CPI(M) leader, former state minister and Beypore MLA
“Some reports are claiming that Veena has admitted to hawala transactions. It is pure nonsense and lies. The scribblings only refer to a future business she was planning. She has not admitted to any black money. Such allegations are aimed at defaming her.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
Pinarayi Vijayan Denies Family Hawala Link Amid ED Probe
CPI(M) Leaders Vow Legal, Political Fight Over ED Searches
ED Expands Exalogic-CMRL Probe, Summoning Veena Vijayan Again
ED Alleges Veena Vijayan Managed Funds, Sent Money Dubai
ED Reports Dubai Transfer Notes in Vijayan Daughter Probe
ED Seeks Kerala FIR in CMRL Bribery Case Against Vijayan
How Coir Is Transforming Rural Livelihoods Across India
Kerala Leader Meets Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Harmony Foundation Criticizes Anwar’s Meeting With Kanthapuram
Kerala CPI(M) Meet Puts Pinarayi Vijayan Era Under Fire