Keralas Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and PA Mohammad Riyas Named in Separate Corruption Cases

Thiruvananthapuram, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) MLA PA Mohammad Riyas have been named as the primary accused in two separate corruption cases. The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) plans to file two FIRs in the Vigilance Court on Monday regarding these controversial matters.

The first case involves monthly payments related to CMRL-Exalogic, with Vijayan identified as the first accused. The second case pertains to alleged corruption funds received by Riyas, who previously served as the Tourism Minister in the second LDF cabinet and is married to Vijayan’s daughter, T. Veena. Veena is also listed as the second accused in both cases.

This action follows a directive from a single bench of the Kerala High Court, which ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations surrounding monthly payments made by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) to Exalogic Solutions. The court’s order emphasized examining the potential benefits granted to the company by public officials. Veena’s company is at the center of the CMRL-Exalogic transactions.

In the first case, Vijayan is the primary accused, while Veena is the second accused. In the second case, Riyas takes the lead as the first accused, with Veena again as the second accused. Both FIRs will investigate distinct allegations, payments, and circumstances related to these claims. The High Court instructed the Vigilance to register cases based on the Enforcement Directorate’s report, rather than initiating preliminary inquiries.

Additionally, the court annulled the police chief’s order to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) without government approval. The government is expected to issue a new directive to appoint a special team as suggested by the Vigilance Director, aligning with the court’s observations regarding the authority to form such a team.

All relevant documents held by the Crime Branch have been handed over to the Vigilance. The agency has stated that, considering the High Court’s specific instructions, prior approval is not required to advance the investigation. Meanwhile, sources close to the situation indicated that Vijayan plans to challenge the single bench’s order in front of the High Court’s division bench later on Monday.