The Enforcement Directorate has formally requested the Kerala DGP to register an FIR against former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members following findings in the CMRL pay-off investigation.

  • ED has written to Kerala DGP under Section 66 (2) of PMLA.
  • Targets include Pinarayi Vijayan, T. Veena, and P.A. Mohamed Riyas.
  • Allegations involve ₹2.78 crore fraudulent payments from CMRL to Exalogic Solutions.
  • Handwritten notes regarding Dubai fund transfers were seized during raids.

In a massive escalation of the CMRL pay-off case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved to seek criminal action against the family of Kerala's former Chief Minister. Official sources confirmed on Tuesday that the central agency has written to the Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) seeking the registration of an FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and his son-in-law/MLA P.A. Mohamed Riyas.

The communication was sent under Section 66 (2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This specific provision empowers the ED to share the findings of its criminal investigation with law enforcement agencies to facilitate the registration of fresh FIRs or complaints. The agency asserts that the evidence gathered during recent searches and probes provides a strong basis for criminal prosecution.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this development represents a critical juncture in Kerala's political landscape. By targeting the immediate family of a former Chief Minister, the ED is moving beyond mere financial scrutiny into the heart of high-level political accountability, potentially reshaping the state's electoral dynamics.

At the core of the investigation is the allegation that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL), a mining firm, made fraudulent payments totaling ₹2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions—a now-defunct company owned by T. Veena. These payments were allegedly disguised as 'IT consultancy services' to mask the bribery nature of the transactions.

The move by the ED signals an aggressive push to link corporate bribery directly to political influence-peddling.

The investigation gained significant momentum after the ED conducted raids in June 2026. During these searches, investigators reportedly seized handwritten notes belonging to Ms. Veena that detailed specific fund transfers to Dubai. This connection to international financial hubs adds a layer of complexity regarding potential hawala transactions.

The political fallout has been immediate. Pinarayi Vijayan, currently the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, has dismissed the entire investigation as a "political vendetta." Similarly, CPI(M) leaders, including State Secretary M V Govindan, have claimed that the central agency is being weaponized to target political opponents and their families.

Did You Know?: The PMLA is one of India's most stringent laws, allowing agencies to seize assets believed to be proceeds of crime during the investigation phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the specific allegation in the CMRL case?
The ED alleges that CMRL made illegal payments of ₹2.78 crore to T. Veena's company under the guise of IT services.

2. What does Section 66 (2) of the PMLA allow?
It allows the ED to share its investigation findings with police agencies to trigger the filing of fresh FIRs.