Kerala Government Orders Probe Into Pinarayi Vijayan, Family in CMRL Case

The Kerala government has ordered an inquiry into allegations involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions. The decision follows a communication from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has been investigating transactions involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company previously associated with Vijayan's daughter T Veena.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the Director General of Police (DGP) has been directed to initiate the inquiry. The DGP is expected to decide which investigative agency will handle the matter. The ED has alleged that CMRL paid about ₹2.78 crore to Exalogic and has questioned whether the payments were made against genuine services. The agency has also raised allegations concerning transactions involving Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena Vijayan and CPI(M) leader P A Mohamed Riyas.

The allegations form part of an ongoing investigation and have not been established as criminal findings by a court. The state government sought legal advice before deciding to proceed with the inquiry. Officials have referred to provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and relevant Supreme Court directions while explaining the decision.

The CPI(M) has criticised the move, alleging that the inquiry is politically motivated and questioning the decision to act on material provided by the ED. The party has also accused the BJP-led central government of using investigative agencies against political opponents. Vijayan and his family members have denied allegations of wrongdoing. Vijayan has previously rejected the ED's claims and described them as politically motivated.

The next step will be determined by the state police leadership. Investigators are expected to examine the financial records and other documents linked to the CMRL-Exalogic transactions before deciding on further action. The government-ordered inquiry does not by itself establish guilt. Any criminal liability would have to be determined through the investigation and, if applicable, subsequent judicial proceedings.

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