Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Kerala Examines Legal Opinion on ED Case Request
The Enforcement Directorate has asked Kerala police to register a case involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others.
The request concerns payments allegedly made by CMRL to a company once run by Vijayan’s daughter, Veena T. The ED says the payments totaled Rs 2.78 crore and were falsely described as IT consultancy fees.
Kerala’s Advocate General was asked to examine the request.
An earlier report said the legal advice had not yet arrived.
A later report said it was received on Friday evening and is now being studied by the Home Department.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the government will decide what to do after consulting Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
CPI(M) leaders said the case was politically aimed at their party and questioned the evidence cited by the ED.
The Enforcement Directorate sought an FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, P A Mohammed Riyas and others in the alleged CMRL bribery case.
The ED alleges that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd paid Rs 2.78 crore to Veena’s now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, as purported IT consultancy fees.
An earlier report said legal advice was still pending; Chennithala later said the Advocate General’s opinion arrived on Friday evening.
The Home Department is examining the opinion, with further action expected after consultation with Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday or Tuesday.
CPI(M) leaders alleged that the ED action targets Pinarayi Vijayan and the party, while challenging the government to register an FIR.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate, former Kerala Chief Minister and opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, P A Mohammed Riyas, the Kerala government and CPI(M) leaders are central to the matter.
- What
- The ED has requested registration of an FIR over alleged payments involving CMRL and Exalogic Solutions.
- When
- The legal opinion was reported as pending on Thursday and as received on Friday evening; further action was expected on Monday or Tuesday because of holidays.
- Where
- The matter concerns Kerala, including CMRL in Kochi, the Home Department and statements made in Pathanamthitta and Palakkad.
- Why
- The ED says evidence from its probe and searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act supports allegations that CMRL made fraudulent payments to Exalogic Solutions.
Kerala Government and CPI(M) Responses
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
Whether to register an FIR
Kerala Government and CPI(M) Responses
The Home Department is examining the Advocate General’s opinion before deciding further action. CPI(M) leader A K Balan challenged the government to register a case, saying either outcome could have political consequences.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED asked the state police chief to register an FIR based on evidence it says was gathered during its investigation and searches conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Nature of the payments
Kerala Government and CPI(M) Responses
CPI(M) leaders questioned what new evidence exists and said the allegations had previously been examined by the Vigilance authorities and courts, according to A K Balan.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED alleges that CMRL made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions under the guise of IT consultancy services.
Political motivation
Kerala Government and CPI(M) Responses
M A Baby alleged that the ED action specifically targets Pinarayi Vijayan and is aimed at the CPI(M), while A K Balan raised allegations that other political leaders also received money from CMRL.
Enforcement Directorate’s Allegations
The ED’s request identifies Vijayan, Veena T, Mohammed Riyas and others in connection with evidence it says emerged from its probe; the agency’s allegations are not presented in the reports as a final court finding.
- Agency seeking FIR
- Enforcement Directorate
- People named in request
- Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, P A Mohammed Riyas and others
- Company alleged to have made payments
- Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd
- Recipient company
- Exalogic Solutions, described as Veena T’s now-defunct company
- Alleged amount
- Rs 2.78 crore
- Legal status
- The Advocate General’s opinion was received on Friday evening and was being examined by the Home Department
- Next step
- Further action is to be decided after consultation with Chief Minister V D Satheesan
