Thiruvananthapuram, 16 Oct (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate has summoned former Kerala Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan for questioning next week in connection with the controversial financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, the company owned by his daughter T. Veena.

The summons comes amid parallel investigations by central and state agencies into the transactions. The ED had earlier conducted searches in two phases as part of its probe.

According to the agency’s findings, CMRL paid Exalogic more than Rs 3 lakh a month under a service agreement between 2017 and 2019. Veena also allegedly received payments towards information technology and marketing consultancy during the same period. The transactions under scrutiny totalled Rs 3.28 crore.

The ED has alleged that the payments were made without any services being provided and constituted bribes intended for Vijayan. These allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny.

Based on the ED’s report, the state Vigilance registered two FIRs relating to the transactions. Vijayan is named as the first accused in the alleged monthly payment case, while former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas is listed as the first accused in the money laundering case. Veena figures among the accused in both.

Vijayan, Veena, Riyas and Hasan Waris have approached the Supreme Court seeking to quash the Vigilance FIRs and stay further proceedings.

The Supreme Court indicated that it could consider constituting a special bench next week to hear their petitions. The matter may be taken up on October 26 or 27.

Appearing for Vijayan, senior advocate Siddharth Luthra told the court that his client faced the possibility of arrest and sought immediate interim protection, citing his age of 82.

The ED summons adds a fresh development as the petitioners await the Supreme Court’s consideration of their requests for relief against the ongoing proceedings in the case.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman