ED move against Pinarayi Vijayan family sparks fresh political controversy in Kerala
Thiruvanthapuram: The Enforcement Directorate has intensified its investigation into the Kerala-based CMRL case, seeking registration of an FIR against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena, son-in-law PA Mohammed Riyas and others.
The move has triggered a major political controversy in Kerala, with the CPI(M) alleging that the ED action is politically motivated, while the central agency claims its request is based on evidence gathered during its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
According to official sources, the Enforcement Directorate has sent a communication to the Kerala Director General of Police seeking an FIR under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Under this provision, the ED can share findings from its investigation with another law enforcement agency for registration of a fresh criminal case.
The agency has reportedly sought action against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena Vijayan, Mohammed Riyas and some others based on evidence collected during searches and investigation proceedings linked to the case.
The controversy revolves around allegations involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL), a Kerala-based mining company. The ED has alleged that CMRL made payments of around Rs 2.78 crore to Veena Vijayan’s now-closed company Exalogic Solutions in the name of IT consultancy services.
The agency has been examining whether these transactions were genuine business payments or part of an alleged financial arrangement. Veena Vijayan has previously rejected allegations, while Pinarayi Vijayan had described the ED investigation against his daughter as a political vendetta.
The Enforcement Directorate had earlier conducted searches linked to the case and questioned Veena Vijayan. The agency had stated that handwritten notes recovered during searches contained details related to certain fund transfers, including references to Dubai-linked transactions.
The ED has now relied on findings from its investigation to seek registration of a police FIR, which could potentially lead to further legal proceedings.
The ED’s move has intensified the political confrontation between the ruling CPI(M) and the central investigative agency. PA Mohammed Riyas, who is also a senior CPI(M) leader, said that he and the party would respond to the investigation both legally and politically.
CPI(M) Kerala state secretary MV Govindan also accused the ED of expanding its focus to target Riyas and political leaders associated with the party. The party has maintained that the case is an attempt to create political pressure against the Kerala leadership.
The latest development has placed Pinarayi Vijayan’s family at the centre of a major political controversy. The former Kerala Chief Minister, who led the state government for two terms, has faced repeated Opposition attacks over allegations linked to his daughter’s company. The issue has now become a major talking point in Kerala politics, with rival parties likely to intensify their attacks.
The ED’s FIR request could become a significant political issue in Kerala, where allegations of corruption and investigative agencies’ actions have frequently triggered political battles.
The case also highlights the growing conflict between central agencies and opposition-ruled states, with both sides accusing each other of political motives. For the CPI(M), defending its top leadership has become a major challenge, while Opposition parties are expected to use the controversy to target the government.
