Kerala Forms SIT to Probe CMRL-Exalogic Payoff Allegations Against Pinarayi, Family
Kerala has set up a special investigation team to examine ED-backed corruption allegations against Pinarayi Vijayan, T. Veena and P.A. Mohamed Riyas in the CMRL-Exalogic payoff case.
The Kerala government has constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to look into corruption allegations against Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and his son-in-law and former Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, along with others, in the CMRL-Exalogic payoff case.
According to official sources, the probe will be supervised by Additional Director General of Police (Crime Branch) H. Venkatesh, while Superintendent of Police P. Vikraman will lead the investigation. The team is expected to include officers at the ranks of Deputy Superintendent of Police and Inspector, as well as personnel from the Cyber Division.
The Home department is yet to issue formal orders constituting the SIT.
The investigation follows a report submitted by the Enforcement Directorate to State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The central agency had sought the registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Vijayan, Veena, Riyas and some of Riyas' associates.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, Chandrasekhar said the police would begin with a preliminary inquiry based on the ED's communication. He clarified that no Vigilance inquiry would be initiated at this stage and that the police would first examine the evidence furnished by the central agency.
The police chief noted that the preliminary examination was necessary to decide whether a criminal case could be registered.