Riyas Calls CMRL Probe Allegations ‘Fabricated Lies’, Accuses ED of Threats

CPI(M) MLA P A Muhammad Riyas on Thursday rejected allegations reportedly emerging from the Enforcement Directorate’s probe into the CMRL money laundering case, describing them as fabricated claims aimed at defaming him.

Riyas alleged that the ED had pressured his wife Veena T, daughter of Kerala Opposition Leader and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and one of his friends to give statements implicating him and his family.

His remarks came after reports that the ED had written to Kerala DGP Ravada A Chandrasekhar, seeking registration of an FIR against Riyas, Vijayan, Veena and others based on evidence allegedly gathered during its probe and searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The ED has alleged that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) made fraudulent payments of around Rs 2.78 crore to Veena’s now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, purportedly for IT consultancy services. Reports have also claimed that the agency found Rs 20 crore was transferred abroad through Riyas’ friends.

Riyas, however, dismissed the allegations and denied reports that Veena had admitted before the ED that her company had not provided services to CMRL.

He further alleged that ED officials threatened a friend with making his 22-year-old daughter an accused unless he named Vijayan, Veena or Riyas in the case. According to Riyas, the friend later wrote to the agency retracting his statement and alleging coercion. Riyas also claimed Veena was repeatedly pressured to make statements regarding Vijayan’s alleged involvement and was threatened with arrest if she did not cooperate.

Meanwhile, LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the CPI(M) and the Left Democratic Front would fight the matter both politically and legally.

Ramakrishnan said no court or investigating agency had established wrongdoing so far and alleged that the developments were intended to create suspicion against the CPI(M) and weaken the Left. He said that if the allegations were genuine and supported by evidence, authorities were free to take action.