Keralas Chief Minister Faces Decision on Investigation into Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : The political landscape in Kerala is poised for significant developments as Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan prepares to make a crucial decision regarding an investigation into former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This follows allegations raised by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning financial transactions linked to the CMRL-Exlogic case.

Sources indicate that CM Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala are expected to meet soon to discuss the ED’s report and the legal opinion from the Advocate General. This meeting aims to determine whether the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau should file a First Information Report (FIR) or initiate a preliminary inquiry into the allegations.

Legal opinions suggest that a case could be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with initial evidence pointing to allegations of bribery and disproportionate assets. The opinion also highlights the possibility of legal action if funds were received through intermediaries or third parties.

There are indications that the investigation may extend to the financial transactions involving Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan, to ascertain whether these funds were intended to benefit Pinarayi Vijayan. Additionally, the prospect of filing a case against Veena Vijayan and MLA P.A. Mohammed Riyas is under consideration.

The ED has submitted a 25-page report to the state police chief, requesting that a case be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The report details payments, financial records, and WhatsApp conversations that the agency claims support its allegations.

According to the ED, illegal payments were made during Pinarayi Vijayan’s tenure as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2026, either directly or through his daughter’s company, Exlogic. The agency has called for action against more than a dozen individuals, including Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena Vijayan, and former minister Mohammed Riyas.

The Advocate General’s opinion also notes that the transactions under scrutiny occurred both before and after amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act in 2018, making the provisions of both legal frameworks relevant for any potential investigation. The upcoming meeting between Satheesan and Chennithala is expected to clarify the direction of the inquiry and the scope of action.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) has dismissed the ED’s allegations as politically motivated and is likely to oppose any state-level investigation based on the agency’s findings. However, the state government maintains that information received from the central investigative agency should be examined and acted upon in accordance with the law.