The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Veena T for questioning in the alleged CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions case, directing her to appear at its Kochi office on Friday. According to sources, notices were issued to nine individuals, including Veena, as part of the agency’s ongoing money laundering investigation.
Veena had previously been questioned during ED searches linked to the case. However, officials reportedly sought further clarification on certain aspects of her earlier statements, prompting the latest summons. This marks the first formal appearance notice issued to her in connection with the investigation.
Among those also summoned are Sharan S. Kartha, son of businessman Shasidharan Kartha, along with several officials associated with Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL).
The development follows an internal review meeting held in Kochi last week under the chairmanship of ED Director Rahul Navin. Sources indicated that investigators assessed evidence collected so far and were instructed to accelerate the next phase of the probe.
The agency’s investigation received a boost after a High Court Division Bench dismissed CMRL’s plea to stop the ED inquiry, ruling that there were no legal hurdles preventing the continuation of the investigation.
Separately, the ED recently sought access to documents, including agreements between CMRL and Exalogic, that had earlier been seized by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). A special court dealing with corporate offences approved the agency’s request and allowed access to 134 documents attached to the SFIO report, overruling objections raised by CMRL.
Investigators believe the newly obtained records have strengthened the case and are expected to play a key role in the upcoming round of questioning. Earlier in the probe, the ED had conducted searches at premises linked to Veena, her father and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, her husband and MLA P. A. Mohammed Riyas, as well as the managing director of CMRL.
