CPI(M) Rejects ED Charges on Leaders, Signals Political, Legal Fight

Kozhikode: CPI(M) MLA P A Muhammad Riyas on Thursday dismissed allegations reportedly emerging from the ED probe against him in the CMRL money laundering case, saying the claims were deliberately fabricated to defame him. Riyas asserted that he would fight the matter legally.

His remarks come in the wake of Enforcement Directorate (ED) sending a letter to DGP Ravada A Chandrasekhar seeking registration of an FIR against Leader of Opposition in Keralam Assembly Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, Riyas and some others in connection with the alleged Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) bribery case based on "evidence" gathered during its probe and searches conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The news reports claimed that the ED also reportedly found Rs 20 crore was transferred by Veena abroad through Riyas's friends.

Riyas, who was the tourism minister in the previous LDF government, is also Vijayan's son-in-law.

The ED has alleged that CMRL made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Veena's now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, under the guise of "IT consultancy services".

The federal agency had searched premises linked to Veena, who was living with Vijayan at a rented accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram, in May and subsequently questioned her.

In a social media post, Riyas said the allegations, if contained in a report allegedly leaked by the ED, were "fabricated lies" intended to tarnish his image.

He also rejected reports that Veena had admitted such allegations before the ED, calling them "blatant lies".

"Let those who enjoy feeding on the flesh of living people and relish such absurdities leaked in the name of an ED investigation continue their game. I will fight it legally," Riyas said.

Meanwhile, LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan told reporters that the CPI(M) and the Left Front would face the issue both politically and legally.

Ramakrishnan said no court or investigating agency had so far stated that any wrongdoing had taken place and alleged that the developments were aimed at creating unnecessary suspicion among the public and weakening the CPI(M) and the Left.

"It is true that we, the LDF and the CPI(M), suffered a setback in the recent elections. We have acknowledged that during our review. After identifying the reasons and rebuilding as a stronger movement, the CPI(M) is returning with the confidence of the people," he said.

Responding to a question about allegations that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Riyas had illegally accumulated Rs 20 crore in assets and transferred the money to Dubai, Ramakrishnan said that if the allegations were not fabricated and there was evidence of wrongdoing, the authorities could take action.

"If it isn't fabricated, let them arrest (them)," he said, reiterating that the hands of Riyas and other CPI(M) leaders were clean and that no wrongdoing had taken place.

Ramakrishnan alleged that the charges were being fabricated as part of a conspiracy to target CPI(M) leaders and questioned why similar action was not being taken against BJP leaders over alleged corruption.

He also questioned the Congress's position on the ED, pointing out that the party's national leadership had been protesting against central agencies while similar allegations were being raised against the Left in Keralam.

"If Congress is taking such a stance against the ED at the national level, what is Congress's position on this? Isn't that for Congress to clarify?" he asked.

He also said that if there was a dispute involving financial transactions or alleged wrongdoing between two companies, it should be resolved between the companies concerned rather than through what he described as "crooked paths" to keep the issue alive in the media.

Ramakrishnan further alleged that the ED's actions were part of a "witch-hunt" against Pinarayi Vijayan aimed at weakening the CPI(M) and the Left.

He questioned the need to raid Vijayan's residence again if the complaint concerned a dispute between companies led by Veena and another company.

He also asked whether the ED had been able to register a case against Vijayan despite its actions and said that if it had sufficient evidence, it could have registered a case and arrested him.

The CPI(M) leader said the party would continue to face the issue politically and legally and present the facts before the people.