CMRL-Exalogic case: Government orders probe against Pinarayi Vijayan, Mohammed Riyas and T Veena

Thiruvananthapuram: The government has ordered an investigation into former Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan based on a report submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the CMRL-Exalogic transactions. An FIR will be registered as part of the investigation.

The decision followed a meeting between Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Home Minister. The Home Department subsequently ordered an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the transactions. The probe will also cover former Public Works Department Minister Mohammed Riyas and his wife, T Veena.

The ED had earlier submitted a report to the State Police Chief seeking an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic transactions. The report also contained allegations related to a hawala transaction.

Following the ED report, the government sought legal advice on whether a criminal investigation could be initiated. The Advocate General advised that an investigation could be conducted.

Following discussions between the Chief Minister and Home Minister, the government decided to proceed with the probe. The State Police Chief will decide on the further course of the investigation, including the constitution of the investigating team and other procedural steps.