Kerala CM's daughter T. Veena denies allegations in CMRL case, terms PIL a bid to ‘vilify' her
She made the statement in an affidavit filed before the Kerala High Court in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI probe into the allegations regarding the financial transactions between the Exalogic and the Kochi-based private minerals firm Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).
She pointed out that the company was founded and managed by her and at all times operated independently of her father. He had no role in the business of the company, financial or otherwise. In fact, she founded the company in 2014 whereas her father assumed office of Chief Minister in May 2016.
Refutes Kovalam palace charges
She also said that she had no role in any decision , communication or transaction relating to the Kovalam palace. The allegation that she had exercised undue influence in the transfer of the Kovalam palace and that she was a conduit for 'unjust enrichment' is baseless and without any material. The allegations are 'ex-facie malicious , defamatory, and disparaging' of a woman professional. It is nothing but political mudslinging disguised as a public litigation, she said.
Ms. Veena also said that the allegation that her husband and Minister for Public Works P.A. Mohamed Riyas' disclosure of income in his income affidavit was inconsistent with the firm's revenue is misconceived and misleading. Personal income, company turnover, and tax disclosures are governed by different standards. Any alleged discrepancy can only be addressed by the competent authority under the law. Besides, her husband was not a shareholder, director or beneficiary of Exalogic. He had had no connection with its business or operations at any point of time, according to the affidavit.
'A disguised attempt '
She said the PIL is 'a disguised attempt to vilify' her because of her identity as daughter of the Chief Minister.
According to her, the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs had ordered a probe by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) into certain affairs of CMRL, including the transactions with Exalogic under Section 212 (1)(c)of the Companies Act. As the SFIO is currently seized of the matter, all other agencies are precluded from probing it. The provisions of the Companies Act barred a parallel or overlapping investigation by any other agency into it.
Besides, the very allegations forming the basis of the PIL were brought up before various Vigilance courts which had dismissed such complaints. Even the High Court had upheld the dismissals of such complaints and observed that the statements made by an authorised officer before the interim board for settlement – which was inadmissible under Section 4 of the Evidence Act and cannot be treated as judicial facts – cannot be the basis for setting criminal proceedings into motion, the affidavit pointed out.
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