Thiruvananthapuram, 12 June (H.S.):The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh summons to T. Veena, daughter of Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payment case after she sought exemption from appearing before the agency citing health reasons.

Veena was earlier directed to appear before ED officials at the agency’s Kochi office at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday for questioning. However, she did not appear and instead requested additional time, citing medical concerns. Following her request, the central agency issued a new summons directing her to appear for questioning on Wednesday.

Sources said Veena had sought a two-week extension to appear before investigators. She also informed the ED that documents sought by the agency could be submitted through her legal representatives. However, the agency has not formally responded to that proposal and has reportedly conveyed that it is not inclined to grant the extended period sought by her.

The latest summons comes as the ED continues its probe into the alleged financial transactions involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, the IT firm associated with Veena. The investigation centres on allegations surrounding monthly payments allegedly received by Exalogic from CMRL, a matter that has drawn considerable political attention in Kerala.

Along with Veena, the ED had earlier issued summonses to nine individuals connected to the case. The agency is examining financial records, business transactions and related documentation as part of its investigation under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Meanwhile, the questioning of other individuals linked to the case is continuing. Among those scheduled to be examined is Sharan S. Kartha, son of CMRL Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha, along with several others connected to the companies under scrutiny.

The case remains one of the most closely watched investigations in Kerala, with both legal and political developments being monitored closely.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman