New Delhi: Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step by initiating a money laundering investigation against Veena Vijayan, daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and her IT company. This move comes in response to allegations of illicit payments made by a private mineral firm to Veena and her company, as reported by PTI based on official sources.Money laundering allegationsAccording to the sources, the ED has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and intends to summon the individuals involved in the case. The decision to file the case was prompted by a complaint lodged by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).Origins of the caseThe allegations against Veena Vijayan and her company originate from an investigation conducted by the Income Tax Department. The investigation revealed that Cochin Minerals And Rutile Ltd (CMRL), a private company, allegedly made unauthorized payments totaling ₹1.72 crore to Veenas company, Exalogic Solutions, between 2018 and 2019. Notably, Exalogic Solutions purportedly did not render any services to CMRL during this period.Legal developmentsThe legal proceedings surrounding this case witnessed a recent development when the Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition filed by Exalogic Solutions challenging the probe initiated by the SFIO. This decision further underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the legal scrutiny surrounding Veena Vijayan and her company.As the ED delves into the intricacies of this case, it underscores the significance of accountability and transparency in financial transactions. The investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards in business dealings, irrespective of ones affiliations or connections.
