The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had summoned Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, to appear before its investigation team at the agency's office in Kochi on Friday. However, Veena has now sought a postponement of the questioning, citing personal reasons.
Background of the Case
The ED is investigating a money laundering case linked to the Kerala Municipal Road Lines (CMRL) project. The agency has been probing alleged irregularities in the project, which has led to the summoning of several individuals, including Veena Vijayan. The case is registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Veena's Request
According to sources, Veena Vijayan has submitted a request to the ED, asking for the questioning to be deferred. She has cited personal commitments as the reason for seeking the postponement. The ED is yet to decide on her request. The agency had earlier summoned her to appear on Friday, but it remains unclear if the questioning will go ahead as scheduled.
Political Reactions
The development has sparked reactions from political circles in Kerala. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has accused the ED of targeting the Vijayan family for political vendetta, while the opposition Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have demanded a thorough investigation into the CMRL scam. The case has become a major political issue in the state, with both sides trading allegations.
Legal Implications
Legal experts point out that the ED has the discretion to reschedule questioning based on valid reasons. If Veena's request is accepted, the agency will likely issue a new date for her appearance. The investigation is ongoing, and the ED is expected to gather evidence and record statements from all relevant parties.
