Kerala to Decide on ED's FIR Request in CMRL Case After Legal Review
Kerala government will legally scrutinise ED's request for FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, daughter T. Veena, and P.A. Mohamed Riyas in CMRL pay-off case.
The Kerala government will take a decision on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) request for a corruption case against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan only after a thorough legal examination of the agency's allegations, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram after a Cabinet meeting, Satheesan confirmed that the ED's detailed report to the State Police Chief contains "major" allegations. He declined to reveal specifics, citing impropriety, but said an appropriate decision would follow the legal scrutiny.
The ED has sought separate FIRs under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and former Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas — who is Veena's spouse — in connection with the alleged pay-off involving Exalogic and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).
The agency's communication, dated September 7, reportedly states that evidence gathered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act warrants criminal proceedings.
Responding to criticism from CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan — who noted the letter is now with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, a name appearing in CMRL's donation diary — Satheesan said while all parties accept corporate donations, "this specific case is different."
Asked whether the state's stance diverges from the Congress party's position on the ED's alleged targeting of opposition leaders, Satheesan pointed to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi's cooperation with ED questioning. He also referenced the May attack on ED officials' vehicles after a raid at Vijayan's former rented residence.
The CPI(M) has accused the central agency of conducting a political vendetta against Vijayan and his family on behalf of the Union government.