Kerala’s Home Department has received a legal opinion clearing the way for a criminal investigation into former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and her husband, former minister P A Mohammed Riyas. The Advocate General conveyed to the state police chief that the allegations in the Enforcement Directorate’s letter are investigable, following consultations with senior legal officials and discussions with the Chief Minister and Home Minister.
The ED recommended registering cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, alleging that a payment of roughly Rs 3.28 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited to Veena’s firm, Exalogic Solutions, was a bribe meant for Vijayan. The agency also alleged that Riyas was linked to hawala transactions involving money routed to Dubai, citing diary entries bearing Veena’s name.
With the legal opinion secured, the state government must decide whether to order a preliminary inquiry or register a formal FIR, with options including a Vigilance investigation, Crime Branch inquiry, or a special investigation team. The ruling CPI(M) has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, while the opposition has stated it is prepared to pursue the evidence.