Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday issued a fresh summons to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter Veena Thaikandiyil in connection with the CMRL monthly payment case, directing her to appear in person before the agency at its Kochi office on June 17.
The move comes after the ED rejected Veena’s request to submit the documents sought by the agency through her lawyers instead of appearing for questioning.
The agency had earlier summoned her on Thursday as part of its probe into the alleged financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Veena’s company.
The fresh summons followed an email sent by Veena citing medical examination details and seeking additional time to appear before the investigating officers.
Considering the request, the ED granted her five more days and asked her to be present on the coming Wednesday.
The investigation has gained momentum with the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) expected to hand over key documents related to the case to the ED by Monday.
The transfer of records was made possible after a court order that rejected CMRL’s objections.
The documents include 134 records linked to financial dealings between CMRL and Veena’s firm.
The ED is likely to question Veena mainly on the nature of services provided by her company to the mineral-based firm in return for payments.
The agency is seeking clarity on the alleged receipt of Rs 2.78 lakh as remuneration and whether the payments were backed by genuine business services.
She will also be questioned about the loan provided by Empower India Capital and the details surrounding the transaction.
BJP leader Shone George, the complainant in the SFIO case, alleged that the attempts to delay questioning would not help, as the evidence collected so far was against Veena.
He claimed that she may approach the court again to seek more time.
Before questioning Veena, the ED is expected to record statements from CMRL directors and senior officials, including the Chief Financial Officer. Previous statements of company officials, including CFO Suresh Kumar, are also likely to be examined as part of the probe.
(IANS)
