Full Breakdown
Kerala High Court Orders First Information Report (FIR) Registration Against Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Family in CMRL-Exalogic Case
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Core Event: Court-Directed FIR Registrations
The Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) registered two FIRs against former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena Thaikkandiyil, and his son-in-law P A Mohammed Riyas after a single-judge bench of the Kerala High Court ordered registration on October 9. The FIRs, filed by the VACB’s Special Investigation Unit-1, are based on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report that alleged illegal payments by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) to Veena’s firm Exalogic Solutions and suspected hawala transfers involving Riyas.
Background & Context
The ED investigation under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA) described payments to Exalogic as “fraudulent” and unsupported by services. A state-formed Special Investigation Team was rejected by the court, which found the ED material disclosed prima facie offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Key Figures & Groups
- Pinarayi Vijayan – former chief minister, now Leader of Opposition, CPI(M).
- T Veena Thaikkandiyil – owner of Exalogic Solutions.
- P A Mohammed Riyas – former Public Works Department minister.
- CMRL – mining company alleged to have made the payments.
- ED – central agency whose report prompted the FIRs.
- VACB – agency that filed the FIRs.
Timeline
- October 9 – Single-judge bench orders FIR registration.
- May 27, 2026 – ED raid on Veena’s residence; notes allegedly show accounts for Riyas.
- Mar 3 – Nov 1 2017 – Period during which CMRL allegedly paid ~INR50 lakh to Veena without invoices.
- Monday (date not specified) – VACB registers the two FIRs.
Data & Statistics
- FIR alleges CMRL and Empower India Capital Investments paid INR3.28 crore to Veena/Exalogic as IT consultancy and marketing services.
- Exalogic reportedly received a monthly retainer of INR3 lakh; Veena individually received INR5 lakh per month.
- Hawala-related FIR cites outbound transfers of INR85 lakh to a Dubai account and cash movements totaling INR1.20 crore.
Official Statements & Responses
Advocate General Jaju Babu said the state may register an FIR only when a cognizable offence is prima facie evident, defending the court’s order. CPI(M) leaders called the central agencies’ actions “politically motivated.”
Criticism & Opposition
Senior Advocate S Sreekumar, representing Riyas, questioned the urgency of the writ petition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Payment figures vary: ED report cites INR2.78 crore, FIR lists INR3.28 crore, some media mention INR21 crore (2016-2020).
- The nature of services rendered by Exalogic remains disputed.
- No ruling yet clarifies whether a preliminary enquiry is mandatory before FIR registration when the information stems from a PMLA probe.
What’s Next
The Division Bench of Justices K Natarajan and Johnson John will first decide if appeals by Vijayan, Veena and Riyas can be heard before any interim stay on the FIRs. A decision on the stay application is pending, and the parties have indicated they may approach the Supreme Court if the High Court’s order is upheld.