ED findings in CMRL case can't be termed 'political witch-hunt': KPCC president Sunny Joseph

Thiruvananthapuram: KPCC president Sunny Joseph on Thursday said the ED's findings against Veena T, daughter of former Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in the CMRL money laundering case cannot be termed "political witch-hunting" as the CPI(M) and its leaders have not been able to deny the facts revealed in the agency's probe.

Enforcement Directorate (ED), in a statement on Wednesday, said it had seized some "handwritten" notes during searches at Veena's premises in May, which contained details of certain fund transfers to Dubai.

The agency also claimed that digital devices seized during the searches contained a photograph of a SIM card obtained under another person's name.


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Veena purportedly used the SIM card to make internet-based calls, the ED said.

The money laundering case relates to Keralam-based mining company Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company promoted by Veena and now defunct.

The probe relates to allegations that CMRL paid Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd without receiving any services in return.

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Speaking to reporters at the KPCC headquarters here, Joseph, who is also the Electricity Minister, said the ED's official release had clarified certain matters that substantiated the investigation so far and validated the allegations.

"The CPI(M) has not answered. That is the answer the people of Keralam are expecting. Neither the Keralam government nor the Congress party in Keralam has any connection with this. The investigation is being conducted by a central agency," he said.

Joseph said the allegations had been widely reported by the media and were also being discussed among the public.

"The investigation is progressing; let the law take its course. The answers to these must be factual. Politically, they can respond, but that may not gain the public's trust," he said.

Asked about allegations that the investigation amounted to a political witch-hunt, Joseph said there was no point in describing it as such as no one had been able to deny the facts mentioned in the ED's press release.

"Veena Vijayan is not such a political leader, after all," he said.

Asked whether the issue should be viewed against the backdrop of alleged corruption during the previous government's tenure, Joseph said the ED statement indicated benefits or illegal wealth allegedly acquired by virtue of being the Chief Minister's daughter.

On reports of photographs showing close connections between people accused in a synthetic drug case and the Chief Minister's Office, Joseph said political leaders of all parties should exercise caution.

"Whichever party it may be, people known to us, friends, or nowadays, even complete strangers come up and take photos. They come to offices. It could happen to political leaders, the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, ministers, MPs, MLAs, or even a Panchayat President. We cannot understand people like that beforehand," he said.

He said the reality often became clear only when people who were acquaintances or had taken photographs with political leaders were later involved in an incident.

"No minister, Chief Minister, or party unit of the Congress in Keralam will adopt a stance that protects them. This should be a lesson for all parties," Joseph said.

On whether the KPCC would soon get a new president, Joseph said it could happen at any time, but no specific timeframe had been fixed.

Asked whether formal discussions would be held or there would simply be an announcement, he said the Congress was a democratic party and necessary discussions and exchange of ideas would take place.

On whether one person could hold dual posts, Joseph said there was no specific restriction in the Congress constitution or its traditional way of functioning, adding that some people efficiently discharge multiple responsibilities.