Published Sep 08, 2026 | 1:54 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 08, 2026 | 2:28 PM
Veena with her husband and former minister Muhammed Riyas.
Synopsis: It’s learnt that the ED has sent a letter to the State Police Chief, under Section 66/2 of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002, seeking registration of separate FIRs against the three. The agency, reportedly, have also handed over a detailed report along with evidence in support of its request.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is learnt to have made a significant move in the ongoing Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL)-Exalogic investigation, seeking registration of cases against Leader of the Opposition and former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena and her husband and MLA P A Muhammad Riyas under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
It’s learnt that the ED has sent a letter to the State Police Chief, under Section 66/2 of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002, seeking registration of separate FIRs against the three.
The agency, reportedly, have also handed over a detailed report along with evidence in support of its request.
Officials said that ED frequently utilizes Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, to share investigative material with state law enforcement agencies. According to them, this section legally empowers the ED to pass on evidence of a corruption or bribery crime to state authorities, requesting them to register a FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Also Read: ED conducts third round of raids in CMRL-Exalogic case involving T Veena
The ED’s move is likely to put the Congress-led UDF government in a politically difficult position.
If the government grants sanction for registration of the cases, the CPI(M) is expected to step up its campaign alleging that the Congress and BJP have joined hands to target Pinarayi Vijayan and the party.
On the other hand, if the government refuses permission, the BJP is likely to launch a political campaign accusing the Congress and CPI(M) of being two sides of the same coin on corruption and alleging an understanding between the two parties.
ED has also alleged that Pinarayi Vijayan, currently Leader of the Opposition, received ₹3.28 crore as bribe from CMRL, allegedly routed through his daughter T Veena.
The agency has based the allegation, among other things, on the purported admission of P. Suresh Kumar, former CFO/CGM of CMRL.
According to the ED, former minister and MLA P.A. Mohammed Riyas allegedly received bribe funds and facilitated their transfer to Dubai through Veena and other known associates.
The agency has further alleged that Veena assisted in the collection and routing of funds allegedly meant for Vijayan and Riyas.
Her company, Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, has been described by the ED as a corporate vehicle allegedly used to route sham payments. The allegations form part of the ED’s CMRL-linked money-laundering investigation.
In August 2026, the ED had launched its third round of raids in the CMRL-Exalogic financial transaction case involving T. Veena.
Sources in Kozhikode had then told South First that the ED was conducting raids at the residence of Nandulal, a DTPC official and native of Kunduparamba, Kozhikode and Nikhil, a DYFI leader.
Both are reportedly close to former Tourism Minister and Veena’s husband, PA Mohammed Riyas.
The ED was reportedly seeking further information from individuals close to Riyas, based on evidence and information gathered during earlier raids, including the search conducted at the residence of Pinarayi Vijayan.
Sources said the searches were part of the final stage of the investigation ahead of the filing of charges against the accused.
In the first week of June, the ED summoned T Veena in connection with the case. She appeared at the ED Zonal Office in Kochi on June 17 and faced nearly eight hours of interrogation. Apart from Veena, the ED has already questioned Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha, Joint Managing Director Sharan S Kartha, Chief General Manager KS Suresh Kumar and other company officials.
The investigation concerns allegations that Veena’s firm, Exalogic Solutions, received payments from CMRL without providing corresponding services.
Also Read: ED inspects T Veena’s bank locker
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
