Thiruvananthapuram | IUML leader and LSGD Minister K M Shaji on Thursday backed the ED probe against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas, saying those with nothing to hide can relax and have a cup of coffee when the agency arrives for an investigation.
Speaking to a television channel, Shaji asked what those now speaking about the Centre, BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said when the agency came to his house, recalling that several of them had made speeches from television studios at the time.
The minister was referring to an Enforcement Directorate case registered against him years ago under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) alleging that Plus Two courses were approved for a school at Azhikode near here after receiving a bribe of Rs 25 lakh in 2014.
"In my opinion, whether it is the ED or CBI, whoever comes, if there is nothing to hide, one can remain very cool, have a cup of coffee and stand outside while the raid is conducted inside the house," Shaji said.
Without directly naming anyone, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader said those with clean financial dealings have no reason to fear central investigative agencies.
He said he did not agree with a position where people raise the issues of "emergency" and "media freedom" only when an investigation concerns them, while saying that others could be subjected to any kind of harassment.
"We will not agree with such a position. Let the investigation proceed, irrespective of their high profile," he said.
The ED had recently written to the state police chief seeking registration of an FIR against Vijayan, Veena, Riyas, a CPI (M) MLA and some others on the basis of what it described as evidence gathered during its probe and searches conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The federal agency has alleged that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Veena's now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, under the guise of "IT consultancy services".
It had searched premises linked to Veena, who was living with Vijayan at a rented accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram, in June and subsequently questioned her.
