The controversy centers on SFIO allegations that Veena Vijayan’s company, Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, received ₹3 lakh monthly and ₹5 lakh personally without offering services to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd
Published Apr 27, 2025 | 4:39 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 27, 2025 | 4:39 PM
Kerala governor declines CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s dinner invitation amid ongoing controversy
Synopsis: Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar declined Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s dinner invitation, citing concerns over ongoing controversies involving the CM’s daughter, Veena Vijayan. Governors PS Sreedharan Pillai and CV Ananda Bose were also invited, though Goa Raj Bhavan said no formal invite was received. Despite a personal invitation from Vijayan and his wife, Arlekar’s office confirmed he would not attend.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has declined an invitation to a dinner hosted by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, citing concerns that attending the event could send an inappropriate signal amidst ongoing controversies involving the Chief Minister’s family.
Governors PS Sreedharan Pillai of Goa and CV Ananda Bose of West Bengal were also invited. However, the Goa Raj Bhavan clarified that no formal invitation had been received.
Sources said Governor Arlekar’s decision was influenced by the controversy surrounding Veena Vijayan, the Chief Minister’s daughter.
A month ago, Chief Minister Vijayan and his wife had personally visited the Raj Bhavan to invite him to the dinner scheduled for Sunday evening. Despite the personal outreach, the Governor’s office confirmed that Arlekar would not attend.
The controversy stems from allegations by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which in its final complaint before a Special Court in Kochi, accused Veena Vijayan’s company, Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, of receiving a ₹3 lakh monthly retainer and an additional ₹5 lakh personally, without providing development or consultancy services to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL).
The SFIO cited corroborating statements from Exalogic staff, CMRL’s IT head, and Veena Vijayan herself. Its investigation report also alleged that political leaders were paid to facilitate CMRL’s operations.
Following its findings, the SFIO filed charges under Sections 129(7), 134(8), 447, and 448 read with Section 447 of the Companies Act, 2013.
However, CMRL and its General Manager (Finance), P. Suresh Kumar, have challenged the court’s cognisance of the SFIO complaint, arguing that under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the CrPC, a pre-cognisance hearing is mandatory.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
