The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has declined to respond to a question filed under the RTI Act regarding an extension granted for its investigation into alleged illegal financial transactions between Exalogic and the mining company CMRL.
Exalogic, now defunct, was an IT company owned by Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
In response to an RTI query raised by M.T. Thomas, a resident of Puruva in Kerala, the SFIO stated that disclosing information would affect the "ongoing investigation".
The investigation was originally scheduled to be completed by September 30 when the eight-month time frame for the probe ended. However, the SFIO has stated that the investigation was "ongoing" and declined to answer questions about any extensions, their duration, or the current status.
Notably Veena's statement was recorded on October 13, after the original deadline passed. The opposition in Kerala, particularly the Congress, has alleged foul play, accusing the CM of engaging in "adjustment politics" with the BJP. Mathew Kuzhalnadan MLA, a prominent Congress leader spearheading the attacks, remarked, "There is no hope for this investigation, and the Center is shielding Veena Vijayan."
The petition filed by CMRL challenging the SFIO investigation is set to be heard by the Delhi High Court on November 12. The SFIO is expected to submit its report to the Union government only after the court's decision.
The Chennai division of SFIO has investigated 13 cases since 2022. It has concluded investigation in 3 cases in the financial year 2022-23 and 2 cases in the financial year 2023-24.
