CM Satheesan treads carefully as political tensions flare up over monthly payment case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Political tensions flared up after Chief Minister VD Satheesan made it clear that he will not reject the Enforcement Directorate report suggesting registration of a case against Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan. V.D. Satheesan said in a press conference that the ED's suggestion will be examined legally and necessary steps will be taken.

“The information in the monthly payment case will not be rejected just because it was given by ED. A proper legal examination will be conducted. The central agency sent a letter along with evidence, requesting action under Section 66 (2) of the Money Laundering Act. The letter, including the evidence handed over by the ED has been forwarded for legal examination. It includes more serious matters. It is not right to reveal it as the legal examination is underway. Political parties receive donations from individuals and companies. This case is different,” said VD Satheesan.

“When Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, faced ED cases, our workers did not vandalise the vehicles of the officials. Congress workers in Delhi were not assigned to prevent the ED's inspection. They cooperated for 55 hours of interrogation.” The Chief Minister also pointed out that it is common for central agencies to hand over evidence and information to state agencies as part of the investigation.

Following the demand to register a case against Pinarayi Vijayan under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the ED has also started questioning the officials of the CMRL company again. The ED will also issue notices to the friends of Mohammed Riyas and summon them.

The ED provided the police chief with documents showing that Pinarayi's daughter Veena's Exalogic company received money without providing services. It also includes bank transaction records. Therefore, the report submitted to the police chief alleging that a bribe of Rs 3.28 crore was received from CMRL may lead to a vigilance investigation. Legal advice has been sought from the Advocate General on the ED's 25-page report. It is indicated that it will be handed over to the vigilance. However, the Home Department expressed apprehension over registering the case solely based on the ED report.