ED to probe benefits extended during Pinarayi Govt in monthly payoff case

KOCHI: Reports say the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation in the monthly payoff case will extend to the first Pinarayi Vijayan government. The agency is expected to examine how the contract was awarded to Veena T by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL). ED believes that the alleged monthly payments to Veena were linked to undue benefits granted by the state government to CMRL during the tenure of the first LDF government. The investigation is likely to focus on this angle.

The ED is also investigating alleged corruption surrounding the agreement between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions. The officials reportedly believe there are still inconsistencies in Veena statements. She clarified that there was nothing unusual about the contract, but the ED has not taken this into confidence. As a result, she is expected to be summoned again next week for a third round of questioning, with a fresh notice likely to be issued after Monday.

Veena, who arrived at the ED office in Kadavanthra at 9:30 am yesterday left around 8:30 pm, after nearly ten hours of questioning. She was accompanied by her husband and former minister, P A Mohammed Riyas.

The questioning was based on an investigation report by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which stated that the services allegedly provided by Exalogic Solutions in exchange for Rs 2.78 crore received from CMRL had not been clearly established. The ED also sought clarification regarding statements Veena had earlier given to the SFIO in Chennai.