Kerala’s ruling United Democratic Front government is considering a formal Crime Branch investigation into former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family regarding the CMRL-Exalogic payoff case. The controversy involves payments exceeding two crore rupees from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited to Exalogic Solutions, a defunct software firm previously owned by Vijayan’s daughter, T Veena. The Enforcement Directorate alleges these payments were not for real services but acted as a conduit for a larger sum reaching Veena’s husband and former minister P A Mohammed Riyas, citing seized handwritten notes detailing cash movements and hawala transfers.
The state’s Home Department sought a legal opinion from the Advocate General on whether the findings meet the threshold for a corruption case, which reportedly supports taking action. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated the department is reviewing the opinion and will decide next steps with Chief Minister V D Satheesan, while a final decision on registering an FIR awaits further coalition consultations.
Vijayan, currently the Leader of the Opposition, has dismissed the allegations, stating the transactions were legitimate business dealings predating his daughter’s marriage. Meanwhile, a senior CPI(M) leader warned that an FIR could also implicate UDF ministers alleged to have received payments from the same company, describing the government’s decision as a political double-edged sword.