Veena seeks postponement of ED interrogation in money laundering case

KOCHI: T Veena has sought a postponement of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) interrogation in the money laundering case. An email seeking a postponement was received at the ED office on Thursday morning, citing health concerns as the reason for her inability to attend.

In the letter, Veena stated that all documents sought by investigators, along with responses to their queries, could be submitted through her lawyer. She had been directed to appear at the ED office in Kadavanthra at 11 am on Friday. According to reports, the agency is likely to grant her a fresh date and issue a new summons.

The ED had issued notices to nine in the case, including CMRL Managing Director S N Sasidharan Kartha, his wife Jaya S Kartha, son Sharan S Kartha, Senior Manager N C Chandrasekharan, senior officer Anju Rachel Kuruvila, and chief financial officer K S Suresh Kumar. They have been asked to appear before the agency on different dates.
The investigation focuses on the alleged irregularities surrounding the Rs 2.78 crore payment made by CMRL to Veena’s company, Exalogic Solutions. ED sources said the summons followed the raids conducted at the residences of her house where she stays with her father and opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan, and the house of her husband P A Mohammed Riyas.

Individuals can seek postponement of their appearance by providing valid reasons in writing or through legal counsel. Such requests can reportedly be made up to three times. If a person fails to appear despite three summonses, the ED has the authority to question them at their location and may also take them into custody for interrogation. Veena may approach a court seeking protection from arrest or anticipatory bail, though obtaining anticipatory bail under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is generally considered difficult.