ED raids have been conducted at eight locations in Kozhikode in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payment case, in which Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is allegedly involved. The latest searches are the second round of ED raids in the case and are reportedly being seen as a step towards possible attachment and seizure of assets.
The Enforcement Directorate had earlier conducted a preliminary examination before registering an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). Following court permission to proceed with the investigation, the agency searched multiple locations, including premises linked to Pinarayi Vijayan. Veena Vijayan was subsequently summoned twice for questioning.
The ED has been examining the services allegedly provided by Exalogic to CMRL and the utilisation of payments received by the company. The agency is now investigating the movement of the funds. According to the ED, CMRL paid ₹2.78 crore to Exalogic despite the company allegedly providing no corresponding services. The agency has indicated that the transactions are being examined from a money-laundering angle.
The ED has also begun examining supplementary documents related to the SFIO FIR. The agency has reportedly received 134 such documents connected with the SFIO investigation.
During the first phase of the investigation, the ED questioned six people, including CMRL Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha, his wife Jaya S. Kartha, daughter Shibi S. Kartha and son Sharan S. Kartha.
Of the eight locations being searched in Kozhikode, two reportedly belong to DTPC Destination Manager Nandulal and DYFI leader Nikhil. Both are reported to be close associates of former CPM minister Mohammed Riyas, who is Veena Vijayan’s husband.
