**Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Responds to Charge Sheet Involving Daughter**
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has downplayed the significance of a charge sheet that names his daughter, T Veena, asserting that the allegations are politically motivated and will be addressed in court. During a press conference, Vijayan stated, “This is a case that will be resolved in court. The focus is on me, and the party understands this. We are not overly concerned. We will see how it unfolds in court.” He emphasized, “These matters will not impact me. We will contest them legally. You seek to undermine me, but it won’t be easy.”
Vijayan defended the financial transactions under scrutiny, claiming that all payments made to his daughter were legitimate and properly documented. “Is there anything new here? She was compensated for her services, and all relevant taxes have been paid. Yet, this fact is overlooked,” he remarked.
He also drew a comparison between the current case and a previous investigation involving Bineesh Kodiyeri, the son of the late former Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. “In Bineesh’s case, there was no mention of his father. However, the initial allegation here is that she is the Chief Minister’s daughter,” he noted, suggesting a targeted political attack.
The comments follow the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs approving prosecution proceedings against T Veena in a corporate fraud case linked to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL). The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has alleged that Veena and her firm, Exalogic Solutions, received ₹2.73 crore from CMRL without providing the promised IT services.
The SFIO’s investigation revealed that although a formal agreement existed, the payments were deemed fraudulent and unjustified. The case first gained public attention in August 2023, when it was reported that Exalogic had received ₹1.72 crore between 2017 and 2020 without delivering any services. Following this, an investigation was initiated.
In its comprehensive 160-page complaint, the SFIO named Veena, CMRL Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha, and 25 others as defendants. Companies including Exalogic Solutions and its subsidiary, Empower India Capital Investments, were also implicated. Veena faces charges under Section 447 of the Companies Act, 2013, which addresses corporate fraud involving amounts exceeding ₹10 lakh or one percent of a company’s turnover. This offense carries a potential maximum prison sentence of ten years and fines up to three times the defrauded amount.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan has sharply criticized the government, highlighting the implications of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office’s actions.
**FAQ**
**Q: What are the allegations against T Veena?**
A: T Veena is accused of receiving ₹2.73 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited without providing the agreed IT services, leading to a charge sheet filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office.
