CMRL-Exalogic case: ED searches residences, firms linked to Riyas associates

KOZHIKODE: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at multiple locations in Kozhikode as part of its investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic “monthly payment” case, including the residences and business establishments of people described as associates of CPI(M) MLA and former Kerala minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas.

A four-member ED team carried out searches at nine locations, including the residences of CPI(M) Kozhikode district secretariat member P. Nikhil and DYFI leader N. Nandulal. Searches were also conducted at business establishments linked to them and at the residences and establishments of Riyas's associates Shaijal and Faijas. The searches are understood to have followed information obtained from a diary recovered during an earlier search at the residence of T. Veena, director of Exalogic Solutions and daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The ED searched Nandulal's residence and Capital Marbles in Panthirankavu. Nandulal was a destination coordinator with the Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). The agency also searched Nikhil's flat. His ancestral house at Karuvanthuruthy in Feroke had previously been searched by the ED.

The latest searches are reportedly focused on financial transactions, documents and other records linked to the investigation. The agency is also examining a Kozhikode-based company, Laker India Corp, in which Veena has an investment. The searches are reportedly part of the final stage of the investigation ahead of possible attachment of properties belonging to those named as accused in the case.

CPI(M) Kozhikode district secretary M. Mehboob visited Nikhil's flat while the search was under way. He alleged that the ED action was politically motivated and accused both the BJP and Congress of using the central agency for political purposes. The ED's latest action comes as its probe into alleged financial transactions involving CMRL and Exalogic continues. The agency is examining alleged payments made by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) to Exalogic, a company associated with Veena.