Vijayan asserts clean hands, denies family hawala links in ED probe
Pinarayi Vijayan denies any family involvement in hawala transactions as ED widens probe into payments to his daughter's IT firm.
Former Kerala Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly denied any involvement of his family in hawala transactions, asserting that his hands are clean. The statement comes as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) expands its investigation into alleged illegal payments made by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) to Exalogic Solutions, an IT firm owned by his daughter, T Veena.
"My hands are clean and I have full confidence that neither my daughter nor any of my family members have engaged in any hawala dealings," Vijayan said. He questioned the ED's claims, stating that Veena was facing "unusual actions" solely because she is his daughter. He maintained that she does not possess significant wealth and has cooperated with the probe.
The ED has alleged that Exalogic Solutions received Rs 2.78 crore from CMRL under the guise of IT consultancy payments. The agency claims to have seized evidence relating to money transfers through hawala routes, including handwritten accounts suggesting Veena handled funds beyond her known sources of income. According to the ED, the notings indicate a transfer of 3.49 lakh UAE Dirham (approximately Rs 85 lakh) to Dubai and maintenance of about Rs 20.05 crore in Indian rupees.
Searches were conducted at Vijayan's premises in May, and this week, the ED searched eight locations linked to local CPI(M) leaders in Kozhikode district, the hometown of Vijayan's son-in-law and former minister Mohammed Riyas.
In response, the CPI(M) has scheduled a meeting in Kozhikode on Sunday, where state secretary M V Govindan is expected to present the party's position and rally support for Veena and Riyas. Govindan has previously alleged that the searches are aimed at destroying the CPI(M)'s credibility and accused the BJP of using the ED as a tool.