Published Sep 22, 2026 | 2:02 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 22, 2026 | 2:17 PM
The possibility of constituting an SIT is being discussed in government circles
Synopsis: The UDF government has made an in-principle decision to launch a probe against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T and P A Muhammad Riyas based on the ED’s report in the CMRL-Exalogic case. The decision comes against the backdrop of retraction affidavits by senior CMRL officials, who have alleged pressure and intimidation during questioning and alterations to their statements.
The UDF government in Keralam has made an in-principle decision to launch a probe against Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T and his son-in-law and MLA P A Muhammad Riyas, based on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) report in the CMRL-Exalogic case.
A preliminary inquiry will be conducted first.
The State Police Chief has been asked to constitute the probe team. It has been decided that ADGP H Venkatesh of the Crime Branch will head it. Personnel from the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) are likely to be roped in.
A detailed order from the Home Secretary is awaited.
The ED had earlier forwarded its findings to State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, seeking action against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena, Riyas and others.
The agency has alleged that payments made by CMRL to Exalogic were not genuine consultancy payments and that the money was ultimately linked to illegal gratification. The ED has also raised allegations relating to hawala transactions and the assets of persons connected with the case.
The development follows the Advocate General’s legal opinion clearing the way for possible action in the case.
Advocate General K Jaju Babu reportedly advised that the material contained in the ED’s communication can form the basis for an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act if it discloses a cognisable offence.
The possibility of constituting an SIT was discussed in government circles, particularly given the political implications of initiating a criminal case against the former Chief Minister.
It was the meeting between Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday that led to the decision being finalised. The government weighed the fact that an immediate FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan would have had considerable political implications.
The government’s caution in ordering only a preliminary inquiry assumes significance against the backdrop of the recent retraction affidavits filed by senior CMRL officials.
Two company officials—former Chief Financial Officer P Suresh Kumar and Chief General Manager KS Suresh Kumar—have alleged that statements recorded by the ED in April 2024 did not accurately reflect what they had told the agency.
They alleged that they were subjected to pressure and intimidation during questioning and claimed that portions of their statements were altered or omitted before they were asked to sign them. The ED has rejected the allegations of coercion.
The issue is significant because statements by CMRL officials form part of the material cited by the ED in its report to the State Police Chief.
Also Read:
‘Political vendetta’: CPI(M) hits out at ED over directive to Kerala Police
The ‘Red Book’: How a scribble acquired a life of its own in Keralam
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar and Sreelakshmi Soman.)
