Kerala Govt Recommends Corruption Probe Against Pinarayi Vijayan, Family

The Kerala government has recommended a probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act against CPI(M) Politburo member and former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena and son-in-law Muhammed Riyas, in connection with a money laundering case allegedly involving Veena's IT firm.

The move follows a report submitted earlier this month by the Enforcement Directorate to the state police, asking it to register an FIR against Vijayan and others. The ED is probing allegations that Veena's firm, Exalogic Solutions, received illegal payments from Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) during the CPI(M)'s tenure in power.

The Home Department, under the Congress-led government, sought the legal opinion of Advocate General K Jaju Babu, who is said to have given the green signal that there are sufficient grounds to proceed under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The decision came after Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala held discussions with Chief Minister V D Satheesan.

Sources in the Home Minister's office said the crime branch wing of the state police will conduct a preliminary probe based on the ED report. A decision on registering an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act will be taken only after that preliminary inquiry.

The ED has alleged that CMRL made payments to Exalogic Solutions despite the firm not providing any services. The Income Tax Department is said to have unearthed the alleged illegal payments, made during Vijayan's first term. The ED claims Veena's firm received Rs 2.78 crore in the guise of IT consultancy payments, and that Vijayan allegedly collected Rs 3.28 crore from CMRL as a bribe through Veena.

To substantiate its claim, the ED cited a purported admission by CMRL's former chief financial officer. It also claims that Riyas helped transfer the bribe money to Dubai through Veena and others. The agency has sought registration of an FIR against senior employees of Exalogic Solutions as well.

In May, the ED searched Vijayan's premises and eight locations linked to local CPI(M) leaders in Kozhikode district, where Riyas hails from. Following the searches, the agency claimed it found evidence of money transfers through hawala routes.

Vijayan has denied the allegations, asserting that his hands are clean. Riyas, also a CPI(M) leader, said, "We are not afraid of any probe. The script is good. The innocent will remain innocent, irrespective of probes at any level. The issue will be fought legally and politically."