Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) CPI-M MLA and former Kerala minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas on Tuesday put up a defiant front after the Enforcement Directorate sought a police case against him, his wife T. Veena, and his father-in-law and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan in the CMRL monthly payment case.
“There is nothing wrong. Let any probe take place. We will deal with it legally,” Riyas said in his first reaction to the ED move.
Riyas said he had nothing to fear as no wrongdoing had taken place.
He expressed confidence that the investigation would not establish anything against him.
“I am fully confident that nothing is going to happen in the probe. The country has seen on many occasions how ED cases have gone about,” he said.
He also appeared confident about the eventual outcome of the investigation.
“I am absolutely self-confident about the findings as no wrong has been done at all,” he said.
The strong reaction came hours after the ED asked the Kerala Police to register an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Vijayan, Veena, and Riyas in connection with alleged payments linked to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL).
The agency forwarded its findings to state police chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The DGP has confirmed receiving the report.
The ED has alleged that payments made by CMRL to Veena’s company, Exalogic Solutions, were not genuine payments for services and has alleged a wider financial trail involving Vijayan and Riyas.
These are allegations at the investigation stage and have not been established by a court.
The latest development assumes added significance in the wake of ED searches at the homes of two close aides of Riyas.
The ED’s action marks a major escalation in the CMRL case, which had initially centred on alleged payments to Exalogic.
The police will now examine the ED report and decide on further action, including registration of an FIR.
Riyas, however, made it clear that he was ready to face the investigation and challenge the allegations through legal means.
–IANS
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