Court orders state police to register case against former CM, daughter T Veena and son-in-law; probe linked to mining firm and IT company financial dealings
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court has ordered the state police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena and his son-in-law P A Mohammed Riyas under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The directive was issued by a single bench of Justice A Badharudeen while allowing a writ petition filed by public activist Advocate KM Shahjahan. The court’s decision marks a significant development in a case involving alleged financial irregularities connected to a private mining company and an IT firm owned by T Veena.
The matter gained prominence after the Enforcement Directorate (ED), while investigating a money-laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), shared its findings with state authorities. Although the state had ordered a preliminary investigation, an FIR had not been registered. The High Court’s ruling now directs the authorities to initiate formal criminal proceedings.
Evidence of Unlawful Transfers and Alleged Fake Services
The case stems from alleged financial dealings between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), a private mining company, and Exalogic Solutions, an IT company owned by T Veena.
According to investigative findings cited in the case, Exalogic allegedly received monthly payments amounting to crores of rupees for services that were reportedly not provided. Financial records examined during the ED’s investigation also indicated alleged fund transfers, including Rs 85 lakh sent abroad and more than Rs 20 crore distributed locally.
These findings prompted questions about the nature of the transactions and whether they involved violations of anti-corruption and other applicable laws. The allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
State Government’s Defence Rejected
The Kerala Home Department had maintained that a preliminary inquiry conducted by the Crime Branch was sufficient and that registering an FIR immediately was not legally compulsory.
However, the High Court rejected the state’s position, holding that the circumstances and evidence presented warranted formal action. The ruling reinforces the importance of registering an FIR when the available material provides grounds for a criminal investigation.
The petitioner had argued that a prolonged preliminary inquiry could delay the proceedings and prevent a thorough examination of the allegations involving politically influential individuals. By allowing the writ petition, the court directed the authorities to proceed through the formal legal process.
Impact on the Federal Investigation
The judgment could have wider implications for the Enforcement Directorate’s ongoing investigation. The agency had reportedly faced procedural obstacles in formally naming Pinarayi Vijayan and Mohammed Riyas as accused in its Enforcement Case Information Report because a registered predicate offence by state police was absent.
With an FIR directed by the High Court, the legal framework for further investigation may become clearer. ED sources confirmed to NDTV that the agency would re-enter the investigation once the FIR was registered, with renewed attention on the former Chief Minister and his family.
The development could allow investigators to examine the alleged transactions in greater detail and determine whether the available evidence supports further criminal proceedings.
Political Reactions
Kerala local self-government Minister KM Shaji criticised Pinarayi Vijayan, former minister and sitting MLA P A Mohammed Riyas, and their family members over the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation.
Speaking to NDTV, Shaji said those who had nothing to hide should have no reason to fear an investigation. He also warned against attempts to intimidate investigating agencies, referring to incidents such as attacks on ED vehicles.
Shaji said he had personally faced investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate and had cooperated with the process. He cited Rahul Gandhi as another political leader who had faced ED questioning without resorting to intimidation.
The minister further alleged that the former Chief Minister was attempting to prepare a defence against the investigation because he had something to conceal. These remarks represent Shaji’s political position and allegations, rather than findings established by the court.
Verdict Marks a Turning Point in Kerala’s High-Profile Corruption Case
The Kerala High Court’s direction to register an FIR represents a major development in a politically sensitive case involving allegations of financial misconduct. It moves the matter beyond a preliminary inquiry and establishes a formal basis for further investigation by the relevant authorities.
The coming stages will be important in determining the nature of the alleged transactions, the role of the individuals concerned and whether the evidence supports prosecution under the applicable laws.
While the ruling has intensified political debate in Kerala, the allegations must be examined through the legal process, and responsibility for any offences must be determined by the competent authorities and courts.
Disclaimer: The allegations described in this report are subject to investigation and legal proceedings. An FIR or an investigative finding does not, by itself, establish guilt.