CMRL-Exalogic case: VACB forms special teams to probe Pinarayi Vijayan, Riyas, Veena

Thiruvananthapuram: Separate corruption allegations involving Kerala Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and former minister Mohammed Riyas will be examined by dedicated teams of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), following a directive from Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham.

The two probes also name T. Veena, Vijayan’s daughter and Riyas’s wife, as an accused. Deputy Inspector General Thomson Jose will oversee both investigations, with SP E.N. Suresh handling the case against Vijayan and Kozhikode Special Cell SP Balakrishnan leading the inquiry involving Riyas.

The cases were registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act following a Kerala High Court order based on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report.

One investigation centres on allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) paid Rs 3.28 crore to Veena’s company, Exalogic, despite no services being provided. The ED has alleged that the payments were made using Vijayan’s political influence. Seven others, including CMRL owner Sasidharan Kartha, have also been named in this case.

The other probe concerns an alleged transfer of Rs 85 lakh to the United Arab Emirates through hawala channels. The ED suspects Riyas and others were involved in the transaction, citing handwritten notes recovered from Veena’s residence. Eight people, including Riyas’s associates, are accused in the case.

The Crime Branch’s Special Investigation Team has handed over relevant records, including witness statements, to the Vigilance. The allegations are yet to be established through investigation and legal proceedings.

Correct Pinarayi Vijayan’s designationClarify the case registration sentence

With IANS inputs