Kozhikode, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : The CMRL-Exalogic case has ignited significant political unrest in Kerala, following fresh disclosures from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Reports surfaced on Tuesday indicating that a diary linked to T. Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, contains evidence of hawala transactions.
This revelation comes during a crucial three-day conference of the CPI(M). The ED has sent a detailed 25-page letter to the state’s police chief, which outlines allegations of money laundering and the use of hawala channels to transfer funds abroad. These documents were seized during a raid on May 27 at a rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram, where Veena lived with her father.
The agency has also implicated former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is Veena’s husband, suggesting his involvement in these transactions. A 16-member WhatsApp group, which included Riyas’s staff, friends, and associates, is alleged to have been used for hawala dealings. One contact in the group was saved under Riyas’s name.
Additionally, the ED has identified a resident of Koduvalli suspected of being involved in the hawala operations. Allegations suggest that Veena and Riyas traveled together to Dubai, including a trip in May 2024, to facilitate money transfers and establish a shell garment business in Veena’s name.
Reports indicate that Veena has acknowledged writing the notes in question. This disclosure arrives at a politically sensitive time for the CPI(M), which is grappling with the fallout from a significant electoral defeat and discussions about losing political ground.
The ED’s revelations have compounded the party’s challenges. On Tuesday morning, CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby and State Secretary M.V. Govindan arrived at the conference venue but chose to remain silent on the matter, evading questions from reporters.
In response, Riyas vehemently denied the allegations, labeling the reports as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his family’s reputation. He questioned the timing of the revelations, pointing out that they coincided with the conclusion of the CPI(M) meeting.
“If these are crucial pieces of evidence, why release them in this manner?” Riyas asked, dismissing claims that Veena admitted to handling black money as complete falsehoods. He stated that Veena had been questioned three times without any inquiries regarding hawala transactions.
Riyas described the allegations as a meticulously crafted script, suggesting that those behind it should be awarded for the best screenplay. He affirmed his intention to confront these accusations legally, insisting that they would not be intimidated. Riyas is a member of the powerful State Secretariat Committee of the party.
Tensions continue to rise as the investigation unfolds, putting additional pressure on the CPI(M) leadership.
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