Kochi, June 9 (IANS). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter Veena Vijayan in the Xlogic-CMRL case. He has been directed to appear before the agency on Friday for questioning.
Apart from Veena Vijayan, the ED has also summoned eight CMRL officials as part of its broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
According to officials, the action follows a high-level review held recently in Kochi, in which ED Director Rahul Naveen had directed the investigation team to expedite the case. Recently, the Division Bench of the High Court had also given permission to continue the proceedings.
Meanwhile, the ED has also started the process of seizing Rs 18.36 crore deposited in 242 frozen bank accounts. According to reports, one of these accounts is linked to Veena Vijayan. After approval by the Adjudicating Authority, funds in other accounts may also come under the ambit of confiscation proceedings.
The agency is also examining electronic evidence and banking records seized during the recent raids. Ahead of the questioning, the ED is also considering checking the bank lockers of Veena Vijayan as part of its preparations.
The case pertains to allegations that CMRL paid Xlogic Solutions, a company associated with Veena Vijayan, for services that were allegedly not provided.
In a related development, a company law court in Kochi has directed that crucial documents related to the charge sheet of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) be handed over to the ED, giving the agency access to comprehensive records.
It is estimated that a total of 134 documents will be handed over to the agency. These include contracts, bank statements and income tax records. Apart from Veena Vijayan, Exalogic, CMRL and other persons associated with them are under investigation.
ED says the main objective of its investigation is to trace the flow of funds and confirm the nature of services related to the transactions.
–IANS
DCH/