NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate widened its investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions case on Wednesday (May 27), carrying out coordinated searches at multiple locations across Kerala, including premises linked to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Officials began the operation early in the morning, moving simultaneously across at least 10 sites as part of the ongoing money-laundering probe.
One of the key locations searched was the Thiruvananthapuram residence associated with Pinarayi Vijayan, where his daughter Veena Vijayan also resides. The move marks a significant escalation in the agency’s scrutiny of the case.
Daughter Veena Vijayan questioned
Veena Vijayan, whose IT firm Exalogic Solutions is at the centre of the controversy, has already been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the case.
So far, former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has not been formally questioned, though officials have not ruled out further summons as the investigation progresses.
Corporate offices and key individuals under lens
ED teams also conducted searches at offices linked to CMRL and residences of senior company officials, including Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha. The premises linked to corporate offices and individuals connected to the alleged financial transactions under investigation were also raided.
Investigators are reportedly reviewing financial records, digital devices and transaction trails that are believed to be connected to alleged monthly payments flagged in the probe.
Case based on alleged undisclosed payments
The investigation centres around allegations that Exalogic Solutions received regular payments from CMRL without clear evidence of corresponding services.
Earlier inputs from investigative agencies, including findings from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office and tax authorities, had pointed to structured monthly payments described in official records as retainers.
Court clearance paved way for ED action
The latest ED action follows a Kerala High Court order on Tuesday that allowed the agency to continue its investigation into the CMRL–Exalogic transactions.
The court dismissed petitions seeking to quash the probe, noting prima facie indications that warranted continued investigation into possible money laundering aspects, effectively enabling the fresh round of searches. - The Statesman/ANN
