Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India]: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is facing a political storm following the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)’s decision to prosecute his daughter, Veena Vijayan, in the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL)-Exalogic case.
The SFIO has concluded that Rs 2.73 crore was paid to Veena Vijayan and her firm, Exalogic, without any services being rendered. According to the agency’s findings, an agreement existed between CMRL and Exalogic, which facilitated these payments, now deemed fraudulent by investigators.
Veena Vijayan has been formally named as an accused in the SFIO’s charge sheet. The probe revealed that she allegedly received monthly payments from CMRL without delivering any work or service.
Reacting to the controversy, Kerala Opposition Leader V D Satheesan launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister, demanding his resignation.
“The SFIO’s inclusion of Chief Minister’s daughter Veena Vijayan as an accused in the monthly allowance case is an extremely serious matter. The SFIO charge sheet confirms the allegation that she received remuneration without providing any service,” he said.
He further alleged that the money was paid solely because she is the Chief Minister’s daughter and claimed the offence warrants imprisonment.
“Veena Vijayan’s company received Rs. 2.7 crore only as the Chief Minister’s daughter without providing any service. In this situation, the Chief Minister should take moral responsibility for the corruption and resign. It is not appropriate for Pinarayi Vijayan to continue as the Chief Minister even for a moment. How can he justify his daughter facing prosecution while sitting in the Chief Minister’s position?”
Satheesan also criticised the CPM central leadership for its silence and asked them to clarify their stance.
“All the allegations made by the opposition regarding the monthly allowance have been proven to be true. What more do those who have defended the Chief Minister for so long have to say? The CPM central leadership should also clarify its position on such a serious issue.”
The SFIO’s charge sheet has intensified political tensions in Kerala, with calls for accountability and transparency growing louder.