'Will fight ED politically and legally': central agency trying to create smokescreen in monthly pay-off case, says Riyas

KOZHIKODE: P A Mohammed Riyas MLA has alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is trying to create a smokescreen in the monthly pay-off case. He said the ED's moves would be fought both politically and legally.

“Friends of mine since my college days have been questioned from morning till night as part of the raids. They have been running businesses legally in Kozhikode for a long time. I may have connections with many people. The ED is trying to create a smokescreen and place everyone under suspicion. We have decided to deal with such actions politically and legally,” Riyas said.

CPM state secretary M V Govindan also reacted to the issue, alleging that there was an attempt to extend the investigation in the monthly pay-off case to Riyas. He said the matter would be fought politically.

ED to conduct detailed probe

The ED is preparing to conduct a detailed investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic monthly pay-off case. The agency will examine the documents and information collected during the searches on Tuesday. A decision on issuing notices to Veena Vijayan and others will be taken after a detailed examination. The ED carried out searches at locations linked to eight people mentioned in Veena's diary.

The agency is also expected to investigate financial transactions involving Veena, her husband Mohammed Riyas and the directors of a company named Solas. Notices will be issued to people associated with the company as part of the investigation. Solas is an advertising company owned by several people, including CPM district secretariat member Nikhil. The ED also conducted searches at Nikhil's flat and business establishments on Tuesday. The CPM has come out in support of Nikhil in the matter.