4 hrs ago
CPI(M) Accuses ED of Targeting Vijayan in CMRL Case
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating payments connected to a company called CMRL.
It says CMRL fraudulently paid Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions, a company linked to Veena T. The agency has asked police to register a case against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, PA Mohammed Riyas and others.
CPI(M) leader MV Govindan says the investigation is really an attack on his party.
He says Exalogic’s payments were for real services and were properly processed through banks and taxes.
Govindan also says other politicians should be investigated for money mentioned in CMRL records.
He accused ED officials of threatening company officials during questioning.
The ED’s allegations and Govindan’s responses present competing views of the case.
The Enforcement Directorate has sought an FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, PA Mohammed Riyas and others in the alleged CMRL bribery case.
The ED alleges that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions under the guise of IT consultancy services.
CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan accused the ED of targeting his party and attempting to implicate Vijayan for political reasons.
Govindan said payments to Exalogic were lawful company transactions completed through banks with taxes paid, while alleging other politicians received illegal payments.
Govindan also alleged that CMRL officials were threatened during the ED probe and condemned a separate raid on the Reporter Broadcasting Company office.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate, Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, PA Mohammed Riyas, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan, and CMRL officials are central to the report.
- What
- The ED has sought registration of an FIR in an alleged bribery case involving payments from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited to Exalogic Solutions.
- Where
- The statements were made in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and the alleged transactions involve CMRL and Exalogic Solutions.
- When
- The report is dated September 18; no year is specified.
- Why
- The ED says its request is based on evidence gathered during its probe and searches, while Govindan says the action is politically motivated and targets the CPI(M).
CPI(M) and MV Govindan’s Position
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
Nature of Exalogic payments
CPI(M) and MV Govindan’s Position
Govindan says the money paid to Exalogic was for a legitimate service exchange, processed through banks and accompanied by accurate tax payments.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED alleges that CMRL made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic under the guise of IT consultancy services.
Purpose of the investigation
CPI(M) and MV Govindan’s Position
Govindan says the ED is politically targeting Pinarayi Vijayan to attack and weaken the CPI(M) and the Left.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED has sought an FIR based on evidence it says was gathered during its investigation and searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Conduct during questioning
CPI(M) and MV Govindan’s Position
Govindan cited claims that CMRL’s managing director had fingerprints forcibly taken and that two officials were threatened into giving statements.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The report does not include the ED’s response to these allegations.
Key facts
- Alleged payment
- Rs 2.78 crore
- Paying company
- Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL)
- Recipient company
- Exalogic Solutions, described as Veena T’s now-defunct company
- ED request
- Registration of an FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, PA Mohammed Riyas and others
- Govindan’s allegation
- The investigation is an attack on the CPI(M) and the Left Democratic Front
- Investigation law
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act
- Additional allegations
- Govindan said CMRL officials alleged that they were threatened or forced during questioning
Quotes
MV Govindan
CPI(M) state secretary
“We are not saying that this is a stance taken specifically against Vijayan. Instead, it is an attack on the party itself, using Comrade Vijayan’s name. This is being orchestrated by the RSS and its aligned groups, directly aimed against the party. For them, individuals are not the target; the party is the target.”
theprint.in
“To be honest, these positions are being adopted as part of the effort to destroy the Left Democratic Front in Keralam.”
theprint.in
Sources
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