SFIO to forward chargesheet to ED in monthly pay-off case, summons soon

KOCHI: The charge sheet filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) in the monthly pay-off case involving Veena Vijayan, will be forwarded to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The order was issued by the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court. The ED had filed an application seeking a chargesheet, and the court has now accepted this. A senior ED official had revealed that a letter has been sent to the SFIO seeking documents in the case. The charges in the SFIO chargesheet include offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

A senior ED official had told a national media outlet the other day that a case would be registered after examining the documents. Meanwhile, the trial court had clarified that the SFIO report on the CMRL-Exalogic contract could be considered as an investigation report. The court order also said that there was sufficient evidence to charge the accused. Sections 129, 134, and 447 of the Companies Act will remain in force. The Principal Sessions Court was directed to take further action in the case.

As part of the further proceedings, the court will issue summons to Veena and others involved in the case. The court's decision is based on the prima facie evidence that the crime exists. The first step will be to assign a number to the case. Summons will be issued later.