The ED has reportedly sought an FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T and Riyas, while the CPM disputes the allegations and questions the agency’s action.
Kozhikode: CPM MLA P A Muhammad Riyas on Thursday dismissed allegations reportedly emerging from the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) probe into the CMRL money laundering case, calling them fabricated claims intended to defame him. He said he would fight the matter legally.
Riyas's remarks came after reports that the ED had written to Kerala DGP Ravada A Chandrasekhar seeking registration of an FIR against Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, Riyas and others in connection with the alleged Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) bribery case.
Also Read
Riyas calls allegations ‘fabricated lies’
According to the reports, the ED's request was based on evidence it had gathered during its probe and searches conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The reports also claimed that the agency had found that Rs 20 crore was transferred abroad by Veena through friends of Riyas.
Riyas, who served as tourism minister in the previous LDF government and is Vijayan's son-in-law, rejected the allegations in a social media post.
He also denied reports that Veena had admitted to the allegations during questioning by the ED, describing such reports as "blatant lies".
Riyas said the allegations, if contained in a report allegedly leaked by the ED, were fabricated to tarnish his image.
"I will fight it legally," he said.
ED's allegations against Exalogic
The ED has alleged that CMRL made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Veena's now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, in the guise of IT consultancy services.
The agency had searched premises linked to Veena in May and subsequently questioned her. At the time, she was living with Vijayan at a rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram.
CPM to fight politically and legally
LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the CPM and the Left Front would fight the issue both politically and legally.
Ramakrishnan said neither a court nor an investigating agency had so far established that any wrongdoing had taken place. He alleged that the developments were intended to create suspicion among the public and weaken the CPM and the Left.
"It is true that we, the LDF and the CPM, suffered a setback in the recent elections. We have acknowledged that during our review. After identifying the reasons and rebuilding as a stronger movement, the CPM is returning with the confidence of the people," he said.
Also read | ‘Get out of here’: Kerala LoP Pinarayi Vijayan fumes at reporters over ED’s bribery allegations
‘If there is evidence, let authorities act’
Responding to allegations that Vijayan and Riyas had illegally accumulated Rs 20 crore and transferred the money to Dubai, Ramakrishnan said authorities could act if the allegations were genuine and supported by evidence.
"If it isn't fabricated, let them arrest (them)," he said, reiterating that Riyas and other CPM leaders had done nothing wrong.
Ramakrishnan alleged that the charges were part of a conspiracy to target CPM leaders and questioned why similar action was not being taken against BJP leaders over alleged corruption.
Also read | Kerala CM signals cautious approach on ED letter against Pinarayi Vijayan; here's what he said
Ramakrishnan questions Congress stand on ED
Ramakrishnan also questioned the Congress's position on the ED, pointing out that the party's national leadership had protested against central agencies while similar allegations were being raised against the Left in Kerala.
"If Congress is taking such a stance against the ED at the national level, what is Congress's position on this? Isn't that for Congress to clarify?" he asked.
He further argued that any dispute involving financial transactions or alleged wrongdoing between two companies should be settled between the companies concerned, rather than through what he called "crooked paths" to keep the matter in the media.
‘Witch-hunt’ allegation
Ramakrishnan described the ED's actions as a "witch-hunt" targeting Pinarayi Vijayan and aimed at weakening the CPM and the Left.
He questioned the need for another raid at Vijayan's residence if the complaint involved a dispute between companies linked to Veena and another firm.
Ramakrishnan also questioned why the ED had not registered a case against Vijayan if it had sufficient evidence.
PTI
Published: 10 Sept 2026, 11:35 am IST
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Related Topics
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.