The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Kerala): The Special Vigilance Court in Thiruvananthapuram dismissed Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan’s petition seeking a court-monitored investigation into the financial dealings between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) and the defunct IT firm, Exalogic, owned by T Veena, the daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Kuzhalnadan initially filed the petition claiming that the Vigilance Department failed to probe financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic. He later altered his approach to request a court-monitored investigation. Despite his efforts, the court dismissed the plea after thoroughly reviewing the documents submitted by Kuzhalnadan.
Reacting to the decision, Kuzhalnadan acknowledged his disappointment but said he would decide on the next course of action after carefully studying the judgment.
Previously, a Vigilance Special Court in Muvattupuzha had dismissed a similar petition by a social activist due to insufficient evidence. That case is currently under review in the High Court.
The controversy began after media reports revealed that CMRL had allegedly paid Rs 1.72 crore to Veena between 2017 and 2020. The reports cited an interim board ruling indicating an agreement existed between CMRL and Veena’s firm for consulting and software support services. However, it was alleged that no actual services were provided by Exalogic, and the payments were made due to Veena’s political connections.
The Registrar of Companies (ROC) also reportedly investigated Veena’s firm. Citing ROC’s findings, the United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition argued that Exalogic had violated regulations by receiving money based on falsified documents without delivering services.