India
Kerala CM Says Legal Review Underway on ED's FIR Demand Against Pinarayi Vijayan and Family
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has stated that the state government will decide on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) request to register a first information report (FIR) against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, and T. Veena—Vijayan's daughter and Riyas's wife—only after conducting a legal review of the allegations. The case pertains to the Exalogic-Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) pay-off matter.
Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram following a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Satheesan confirmed that the ED had raised what he described as "major" allegations in its letter to the State Police Chief, seeking an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He declined to disclose specific details of the letter, citing propriety concerns, but affirmed that the government would examine the matter legally before reaching a decision.
The Chief Minister also addressed comments made by CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan, who alleged that the ED's letter was currently with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala—whose name, along with that of Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, appears in CMRL's diary of donations. Satheesan responded that while political parties commonly receive donations from companies, this particular case stands apart from such instances.
When questioned about a potential contradiction between the state government's position and the Congress party's national stance—which has criticized the ED for allegedly being used as a tool against opposition parties—Satheesan pointed to how Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had cooperated fully with ED investigations in the past, submitting to lengthy questioning sessions. He further noted that Congress workers had not resorted to attacking ED vehicles during such probes.
According to reports, the ED's letter, dispatched on September 7, 2026, cited evidence gathered under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as sufficient grounds for registering a case. The CPI(M) has repeatedly clashed with the ED over the investigation, alleging that the central agency is conducting a politically motivated operation against Vijayan and his family at the behest of the Union government.