The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday questioned Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter for several hours in connection with the CMRL (Cooperative Medical Research Laboratory) case. The interrogation, which lasted for hours, took place at the ED's office in Kochi.
Background of the Case
The ED had earlier carried out raids at the residences of Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur last month. The searches were part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the CMRL, a state-run cooperative institution.
Details of the Questioning
Vijayan's daughter, who is not a named accused in the case, was summoned by the ED to provide information regarding certain transactions and documents. She arrived at the ED office in the morning and left in the evening after being questioned by a team of officers. The ED officials recorded her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Sources said the questioning focused on the financial dealings of the CMRL and the role of certain individuals associated with the institution. The ED is probing allegations of misappropriation of funds and money laundering.
Political Reactions
The questioning has sparked a political controversy in Kerala. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has accused the central government of using investigative agencies to target political opponents. The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has demanded a thorough investigation into the CMRL scam.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and has expressed confidence that the truth will prevail. The ED has not made any official statement regarding the questioning.
