The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has asked the Kerala Director General of Police to register an FIR against former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena, son-in-law PA Mohammed Riyas and others in connection with an alleged bribery case involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).
According to official sources, the central agency sent a communication to the Kerala DGP under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), citing findings from its investigation into the case. The provision allows the ED to share the findings of its investigation with another law enforcement agency for initiating proceedings under another applicable law.
The agency has sought a police investigation based on evidence allegedly recovered during searches and the investigation conducted under the money laundering law.
Alleged ₹2.78 Crore Payment Under Scanner
The case centres on allegations that CMRL, a Kerala-based mining company, made payments totalling ₹2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions, a now-closed company previously associated with Veena.
The ED alleges that the payments were made in the name of “IT consultancy services” but were allegedly not supported by genuine services. The agency is examining the nature of the transactions, the purpose for which the payments were made and the individuals involved in authorising and receiving the funds.
The investigation gained further momentum after the ED conducted a search at Veena’s residence in June. The agency subsequently questioned her in connection with the case.
Proposal for Conducting Cyber Crisis Drill, Tabletop Exercise (TTEx) & CCMP Readiness Exercise
Handwritten Notes and Fund Transfers Examined
The ED had earlier stated that handwritten notes were allegedly seized during the search connected with Veena. According to the agency, the notes contained details of certain fund transfers to Dubai.
Investigators are examining the documents and financial transactions to establish the complete trail of the money and determine whether the alleged payments were connected to any larger arrangement involving CMRL and other individuals or entities.
The agency’s latest communication to the Kerala police indicates that it wants the alleged offences to be examined independently under criminal law in addition to the proceedings already being conducted under the PMLA.
Riyas, CPI(M) Reject Political Allegations
Mohammed Riyas, Veena’s husband and a CPI(M) leader, had earlier said that he and the party would respond to the ED’s proceedings through both legal and political channels. His remarks came after searches at residences and premises linked to people associated with the case. CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan had also criticised the ED’s action and alleged that the agency was attempting to target Riyas.
Pinarayi Vijayan has previously described the ED proceedings involving his daughter as an act of political vendetta. The allegations have been rejected by the political leadership, which has maintained that the central agency’s action is politically motivated.
Police FIR Could Broaden the Investigation
The ED’s request for an FIR could now lead to a separate criminal investigation by the Kerala Police into the allegations highlighted by the central agency. Such a probe could examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged payments, the nature of services claimed to have been provided and the possible involvement of other individuals.
The ED’s communication is based on the findings it says emerged from its PMLA investigation and searches. Registration of an FIR would allow the police to investigate the alleged offences under the relevant criminal laws and collect additional evidence. At this stage, the allegations remain part of an ongoing investigation and have not been established as proven offences by a court.
The latest development puts Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena, Mohammed Riyas and other alleged participants under renewed scrutiny in the CMRL matter. The next steps will depend on the Kerala Police’s decision on the ED’s request and the evidence that emerges during any subsequent criminal investigation.
Follow the Centre for Police Technology on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest developments in policing, cybersecurity, digital forensics, investigations, fraud risk management, and technology-driven public safety.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/policetechnology/
