Kerala Minister Rejects ED Misuse Charge in CMRL Payout Case

Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh has rejected the charge that the Kerala government misused the Enforcement Directorate in the CMRL illegal payout case, which involves T. Veena, daughter of Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Mr. Janeesh said the ED had not been brought in to target Opposition MLAs, and alleged that the previous Left Democratic Front government had done exactly that.

Asked about DYFI State president Chintha Jerome's remark that he was acting like Emperor Nero, the Minister said her comparison was apt.

Shafi Parambil, MP, told reporters that the United Democratic Front government had no excessive eagerness to fall into the ED's trap. "The law will take its course. The UDF government has only done what any government would do. We did not rush to file an FIR. We acted after seeking legal advice on what needed to be done. We have no intention of trapping anyone," he said.

Mr. Parambil also said it was Pinarayi Vijayan who had brought in the CBI to implicate former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.