Kozhikode, 18 August (H.S.):

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has extended political support to its Kozhikode district committee member P. Nikhil, who is being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged “monthly payment” case.

CPM Kozhikode district secretary M. Mehaboob, who visited Nikhil’s apartment during the ED search, described the operation as politically motivated. He said the party would support Nikhil and confront the investigation through both political and legal means.

Mehaboob alleged that the ED was now being used not only by the BJP but also by the Congress to target political opponents. He confirmed that he had spoken to Nikhil and that the ED was questioning him.

The central agency has reportedly widened its investigation to include several people believed to be close to former minister Mohammed Riyas. Searches are underway at the residences of District Tourism Promotion Council destination coordinator Nandulal, Nikhil, Shaijal and Faizaz, besides several business establishments linked to them.

The investigation reportedly focuses on the movement of funds from Exalogic Solutions, the company associated with Veena Vijayan, daughter of Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan.

Officials are said to have obtained information about Nikhil and three others from Veena’s diary. During questioning, Veena reportedly identified them as friends of Riyas. The latest searches were launched on the basis of those details.

Nikhil, a former Kozhikode district secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India, is currently engaged in business and owns a company named Solace. ED officials also searched his ancestral home at Karuvanthuruthy near Feroke.

Searches were continuing at eight locations, including Kozhikode. This is reportedly the third round of extensive raids conducted in connection with the case. A four-member ED team, headed by an assistant director, is overseeing the searches in Kozhikode.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman