KOCHI: The follow-up action regarding the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) two years ago to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s son, Vivek Kiran, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, remains unknown. The ED has not commented on reports about the summons, and it is learned that Vivek Kiran did not appear despite receiving it.

The notice was issued after multiple rounds of questioning of M Sivasankar, who was then the Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary, in connection with the corruption linked to the LIFE Mission flat complex construction in Wadakkanchery, Thrissur. The summons, issued by ED Assistant Director P.K. Anand, asked Vivek Kiran to appear on February 14, 2023, and to submit details such as property documents, bank account records, Aadhaar, and PAN card.

The notice also mentioned that if the date was inconvenient, he could inform the ED directly, through a lawyer, or by email. In such a case, a new date would be provided. However, if a person fails to appear even after multiple notices, it would be considered an offence, and the ED can question or take the person into custody from wherever they are.

It is not known whether Vivek Kiran had informed the ED of any inconvenience or whether another notice was issued later. The ED has not disclosed any details. The agency also has the authority to file a partial chargesheet in such cases and add more accused later if new evidence emerges.

Chargesheet in the LIFE Mission case (2023)

In 2023, the ED filed a chargesheet in the LIFE Mission case before the Kochi court. The accused include M. Sivasankar, contractor Santhosh Eapen, former UAE Consulate staff members Swapna Suresh and P.S. Sarith, and their associate Sandeep Nair. The case alleges that Rs 4.40 crore was paid as a bribe from the donation provided by the UAE Red Crescent for constructing flats for flood victims.

"There is a mystery in the ED's action of hoarding the information regarding the summons issued to the Chief Minister’s son. Though the notice was issued in 2023, the matter has come to light only now. The ED must clarify what action was taken after the summons," said K.C. Venugopal, AICC General Secretary.