The Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) is set to register two separate FIRs in the controversial CMRL-Exalogic case, naming former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) legislator and former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas as the first accused in separate cases.
According to the proposed FIRs, Vijayan will be the first accused in the case concerning monthly payments made by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) to Exalogic Solutions, a company owned by his daughter, T. Veena. Veena will be the second accused in that case.
In the second case, Riyas, who served as Tourism Minister in the second Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and is married to Veena, will be the first accused, with Veena named as the second accused.
The two cases will examine separate allegations relating to the payments and alleged benefits extended to Exalogic by people holding public office. The allegations are yet to be established through investigation.
The move follows a directive from a single bench of the Kerala High Court ordering the Vigilance Bureau to register cases and conduct a full-fledged investigation into the allegations. The court directed the agency to proceed on the basis of a report submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), rather than conducting a preliminary inquiry.
The High Court also set aside an order issued by the state police chief constituting a special investigation team without government approval.
A fresh order appointing a special team recommended by the Vigilance Director is expected to be issued in accordance with the court’s observations. Documents held by the Crime Branch have been handed over to the Vigilance Bureau.
The agency’s position is that prior sanction is not required to initiate the investigation in view of the High Court’s specific directions.
Meanwhile, Vijayan is reportedly preparing to challenge the single bench order before a division bench of the High Court later on Monday. Such a move could open another round of legal proceedings over the scope and procedure of the investigation.
The registration of the FIRs marks a significant development in the politically sensitive controversy, which has drawn scrutiny from central agencies and triggered a prolonged political dispute in Kerala. The investigation will examine whether the payments to Exalogic were connected to any undue official favours.
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