12 hrs ago
Kerala Examines ED Request for FIR Against Pinarayi Vijayan
The Enforcement Directorate wants Kerala police to register a case involving Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T and P A Mohamed Riyas.
The agency says a company called Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited made allegedly fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Veena’s former company.
Kerala’s Advocate General has given a legal opinion about the request.
The Home Department is studying that opinion.
Ramesh Chennithala said a decision could come after the holidays.
CPI(M) leaders say the investigation is politically aimed at their party.
The BJP says the government should investigate anyone who may be guilty.
The matter remains under examination, and no final decision on registering an FIR was reported.
The Kerala Home Department received the Advocate General’s opinion on the Enforcement Directorate’s request to register a case against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T and P A Mohamed Riyas.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said officials were examining the opinion and would decide the next steps after consulting the Chief Minister.
The ED alleges that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Veena’s former company, Exalogic Solutions, as purported IT consultancy fees.
CPI(M) leaders said the ED action politically targets Pinarayi Vijayan and the party, while challenging the government to register an FIR.
The BJP alleged that remarks by A K Balan indicated political cooperation between the ruling UDF and opposition LDF and urged action under the law.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate, Kerala’s Home Department, Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, P A Mohamed Riyas and leaders of the CPI(M), UDF and BJP.
- What
- The government is examining a legal opinion on the ED’s request to register an FIR concerning alleged payments to Exalogic Solutions.
- Where
- The matter is being considered in Kerala; Chennithala spoke to reporters in Pathanamthitta.
- When
- The Advocate General’s opinion was received on Friday; further action was expected on Monday or Tuesday after the holidays.
- Why
- The ED alleges that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore under the guise of IT consultancy services.
CPI(M) Position
Investigation and BJP Position
Political motive
CPI(M) Position
M A Baby said the ED action specifically targets Pinarayi Vijayan and is ultimately aimed at the CPI(M).
Investigation and BJP Position
The BJP said the government should examine the available documents and investigating agencies’ findings and act according to law.
Whether to register an FIR
CPI(M) Position
A K Balan challenged the government to register an FIR, arguing that an FIR would expose alleged wrongdoing by UDF leaders or, if not filed, support Vijayan’s innocence.
Investigation and BJP Position
BJP leader S Suresh said investigations should proceed wherever there are allegations and that innocence or guilt should be established through legal action.
Political cooperation allegations
CPI(M) Position
The CPI(M) alleged that the BJP was targeting Kerala with the support of Congress and the UDF.
Investigation and BJP Position
The BJP said Balan’s remarks revealed an alleged political understanding between the UDF and LDF, describing it as “adjustment politics” and “match-fixing politics.”
Key facts
- Agency seeking FIR
- Enforcement Directorate
- Legal opinion
- Received by the Home Department from the Advocate General on Friday
- Alleged payment
- Rs 2.78 crore
- Recipient company
- Exalogic Solutions, described as Veena T’s now-defunct company
- Alleged payer
- Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited
- Proposed accused
- Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, P A Mohamed Riyas and others
- Next step
- The Home Department will examine the opinion before deciding further action
Quotes
Ramesh Chennithala
Kerala Home Minister discussing the Advocate General’s opinion
“If an FIR is filed, the ones who will end up getting caught are Ramesh Chennithala and P K Kunhalikutty. And if an FIR is not filed, Pinarayi Vijayan’s innocence will be proven.”
theprint.in
“If anyone is guilty, they should face legal action, and if they are innocent, that should be established through an investigation.”
theprint.in
Sources
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