Former CM Vijayan says his hands clean; denies hawala dealings

Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan denied any involvement in hawala dealings during a press conference in Thrissur on Saturday, asserting that his hands and those of his daughter T Veena and other family members were clean. He specifically rejected claims related to a money laundering probe initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Vijayan stated that Veena had cooperated with the investigation and remained committed to providing all necessary information to the agency. The probe centers around allegations that the Kerala-based mining company Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) made an unaccounted payment of ₹2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, a company previously associated with Veena. The ED’s inquiry was launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act following a prosecution complaint from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office. During searches at Veena’s residence in May, authorities reportedly seized handwritten notes that allegedly detailed fund transfers to Dubai. These documents, according to the ED, were linked to potential illicit financial activities. Vijayan expressed skepticism regarding the ED’s methods, noting that the agency typically disseminates information through its official website rather than issuing press releases. He pointed out that the recent press release included his name and title, “former chief minister”, as though it were relevant to the case. “Why was it necessary to mention that?” he questioned, suggesting possible bias or misrepresentation in the agency’s communication strategy. Additionally, Vijayan challenged the credibility of certain media reports, particularly one alleging that funds received by Veena were transferred to the account of her husband, Mohammed Riyas, a former state minister. He demanded to know the evidence supporting such claims and implied that the media might be targeting him due to his political stature. “Do they think anything can be done if it is against Pinarayi Vijayan?” he asked, highlighting his perception of a targeted campaign. The ED has repeatedly questioned Veena and members of the CMRL board as part of the ongoing investigation. Fresh searches were conducted on August 18 in Kozhikode, focusing on individuals named in Veena’s handwritten records and the individual suspected of providing her with a SIM card used for internet-based calls. Digital devices recovered during earlier searches reportedly contained a photo of a SIM card registered under another person’s name, raising further questions about the nature of the transactions under scrutiny. Vijayan emphasized that Veena did not possess substantial assets and that the amounts in question were relatively modest. He argued that the focus on her should not overshadow the broader context of the case, which he believed was being politicized. His comments followed a series of public statements from the ED, including the recent press release detailing the findings of the search operations. As the investigation continues, the legal proceedings are expected to unfold in a court in Kochi, where the case has been formally registered. The outcome of these hearings could have significant implications for both Vijayan and Veena, depending on the evidence presented and the conclusions drawn by the judicial system. For now, Vijayan remains steadfast in his assertion that his family has not participated in any illegal financial activities.