Kochi, 16 September (H.S.): Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) Chief Financial Officer K.S. Suresh Kumar has withdrawn his statement to the Enforcement Directorate in the alleged monthly payment case, claiming that it was obtained through threats and intense pressure.

In a letter addressed to the ED Director, Suresh Kumar alleged that investigating officers compelled him to name political leaders and state that CMRL had paid Exalogic Solutions without receiving any services. He also claimed that officers forcibly obtained the fingerprint of CMRL Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha and said he had witnessed the incident.

Suresh Kumar submitted the letter along with an affidavit and a detailed note explaining the circumstances under which his statement was recorded.

According to him, he appeared before the agency on May 15, 2024, following a summons. Although he arrived in the morning, questioning began only around 1 pm and continued until the following morning.

Suresh Kumar alleged that despite suffering from diabetes and other ailments, he was not allowed adequate rest or even permitted to take his medicines. He claimed that officers were dissatisfied with his answers and pressured him to state that CMRL had illegally transferred money to political leaders, including Pinarayi Vijayan.

After nearly 24 hours of questioning, he allegedly signed documents prepared by the officers because he desperately wanted to return home. He maintained that the contents did not reflect the statement he had voluntarily given.

A similar letter from CMRL General Manager P. Suresh Kumar has also surfaced, alleging that ED officers exerted pressure on him and recorded a statement according to their preferred version.

The ED had reportedly relied partly on these statements while seeking action against Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan. The agency has alleged that the Rs 3.28 crore paid by CMRL to Exalogic Solutions, owned by Vijayan's daughter Veena, was a bribe intended for him.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman