Thiruvananthapuram, 12 September (H.S.): Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of pursuing a politically motivated campaign in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic case and leaking details of its communication to the media.

Vijayan rejected as ‘false’ reports that Veena had given a statement to the agency. He said neither the ED’s letter nor any notice concerning the allegations against him had been served on him. He added that the agency’s actions would be challenged politically and legally.

Referring to reports that the ED had sent a 25-page communication to the State Police Chief seeking registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Vijayan questioned how its contents became public. He alleged that the agency itself had supplied the information to the media.

Vijayan also claimed that the ED had changed the basis of its allegations. According to him, the earlier Serious Fraud Investigation Office case alleged that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited had paid Exalogic Solutions without receiving services, thereby causing financial loss to CMRL. Searches and investigation were conducted on that premise.

The allegation, however, portrayed the same payment as a bribe allegedly made in return for undue benefits granted to CMRL while Vijayan was Chief Minister, he said.

Vijayan argued that the two positions were contradictory. If CMRL had received a benefit, the company would have gained from the transaction, whereas the previous case was based on the claim that the payment caused it a loss.

He demanded that the ED explain the grounds on which the matter had become a bribery case. Vijayan asserted that he had never extended any unlawful favour to CMRL and said no document proving such an allegation had been produced. Allegations over Exalogic’s payments had been taken to the Vigilance Court, including by Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, he added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman