Veena Vijayan
Thiruvananthapuram, May 28: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the alleged CMRL–Exalogic monthly payment case, launching a detailed examination of documents and digital evidence seized during recent raids conducted across Kerala.
Investigators believe crucial evidence may emerge from the forensic analysis of electronic devices recovered during the operation, particularly the mobile phone belonging to T. Veena, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister and Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan.
According to ED sources, the seized digital devices, including Veena’s mobile phone, will soon be produced before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court. Officials said advanced forensic and scientific analysis would be carried out at the earliest to speed up the investigation and uncover possible financial links related to the case.
The agency is reportedly hopeful of retrieving deleted files, messages, and documents using specialised forensic technology. Investigators are also scrutinising financial transactions connected to the alleged payments and have frozen three bank accounts linked to Veena as part of the ongoing probe.
Sources indicated that all documents and digital evidence recovered during the raids would be submitted before the PMLA court. Once the preliminary forensic examination is completed, Veena is likely to be summoned for questioning by ED officials. Before that, senior officials of Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) are expected to receive notices seeking their statements.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Police have intensified their probe into the attack on ED officials and vehicles during the raid at Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram. Two more persons were arrested on Thursday in connection with the violence allegedly carried out by CPI(M) workers.
The arrested men were identified as Kiran from Naruvamoodu and Anil from Vattiyoorkavu. Police said another suspect was also detained from a different district. All the accused are expected to be produced before a local court later in the day.
Police sources said further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. The incident has triggered a major political controversy in Kerala, with opposition parties accusing the state government of failing to ensure adequate security for central agency officials carrying out lawful investigations.
