BJP leader and MLA V. Muraleedharan on Friday said the Kerala High Court’s decision allowing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to continue its investigation in the Monthly payoff case was a major setback for the CPM and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Muraleedharan pointed out that the investigation is against Veena Vijayan and not directly against the Chief Minister. He alleged that CPM workers were used to unleash violence in an attempt to protect Veena Vijayan from the consequences of the case.
He further said that neither Veena Vijayan nor the CPM had been able to explain what services were provided in return for the monthly payments allegedly made by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL). According to him, attempts were made in three different High Courts to stall the proceedings.
Muraleedharan also demanded that the Kerala government clarify its position on the KSIDC’s shareholding in CMRL, alleging that the company was involved in bribery-related transactions.
Referring to the recent attack on ED officials, he claimed that those arrested were habitual CPM-linked criminals and alleged that the police lacked the courage to take action against party leaders.
On the controversy surrounding sweets distributed during the school reopening function at Ambedkar Memorial School, Muraleedharan said those who spread misinformation and created confusion among the public should apologise.
