The Special Vigilance Court in Muvattupuzha, Kochi, has dismissed a plea for a vigilance inquiry against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena, and others. The plea, filed by social activist Gireesh Babu, alleged financial transactions between a private mineral company, Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL), and Veena's IT firm. The court dismissed the plea due to insufficient evidence.
Gireesh Babu's petition aimed to investigate alleged "illegal financial transactions" involving bribery, connected to mining and business interests of CMRL. The petition also named other political leaders like former leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala and Indian Union Muslim League leaders P K Kunhalikutty and V K Ibrahimkunju, according to media reports.
A recent controversy arose surrounding financial transactions between CMRL and Chief Minister's daughter, Veena, and her IT firm. A Malayalam daily reported that CMRL had paid a total of ₹1.72 crore to Veena's firm between 2017 and 2020. The news report highlighted that an interim board for settlement referred to an agreement between CMRL and Veena's IT firm for consultancy and software support services.
Despite no services being provided, monthly payments were made due to her connection with a prominent individual. The court's ruling has now dismissed the plea, citing a lack of substantiating evidence for the alleged financial misconduct.
