Thiruvananthapuram, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Kerala Police on Wednesday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a preliminary probe into allegations arising from the CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions involving Opposition Leader and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena and former minister and CPI(M) MLA P.A. Mohammed Riyas.
The SIT will function under the supervision of Crime Branch ADGP H. Venkatesh, with SP Vikraman as the investigating officer. The team comprises three Deputy Superintendents of Police, five Inspectors and officers from the Cyber Division. It has been given 30 days to complete the preliminary inquiry.
The move follows the Kerala government’s decision to act on information shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) with the State Police Chief regarding transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, the now-defunct IT company owned by Veena.
The government proceeded after obtaining legal advice on the material forwarded by the central agency. The Advocate General’s opinion held that the allegations could be investigated, while the procedure for a preliminary inquiry was considered in light of the Supreme Court’s Lalita Kumari judgment.
The ED has alleged financial irregularities involving payments to Exalogic and sought action under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, the allegations against Vijayan, Veena and Riyas remain subject to investigation and have not been established through a police probe or judicial finding. Vijayan, Riyas and the CPI(M) have rejected the allegations.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has said the law will take its course and denied that the inquiry amounted to political witch-hunting. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the government could not ignore information received from the ED.
The CPI(M) has opposed the decision and said it would contest the matter both politically and legally. Party workers also held protests against the government’s move on Tuesday.
Vijayan served as Kerala Chief Minister from 2016 until 2026 and is currently the state’s Leader of the Opposition.
FOLLOW NOW
