The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has stepped up its defence of former Kerala Chief Minister and party leader Pinarayi Vijayan and P A Mohammed Riyas after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought registration of an FIR against them in connection with the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) case.

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan on Wednesday accused the central agency of attempting to create “fabricated” narratives against the two leaders and said the party would not be intimidated by the investigation.

Govindan used the phrase “paper tiger” while attacking the ED's actions, saying the CPI(M) had faced much tougher political challenges in its history and would not bow to threats. 

CPI(M) Accuses ED of Political Targeting

Govindan alleged that the ED was attempting to manufacture false stories against Vijayan and Riyas. He also questioned the position of the Congress-led Kerala government and accused the Congress of following a double standard in its approach to the investigation.

The CPI(M) leader suggested that the latest developments could have a wider political objective. However, these are political allegations by the party and have not been independently established.

The ED, meanwhile, has maintained that its action is based on evidence gathered during its investigation into the CMRL-linked financial transactions.

ED Seeks FIR Against Vijayan, Veena and Riyas

The latest development came after the ED approached the Kerala Director General of Police seeking registration of an FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena and son-in-law Mohammed Riyas under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The request is linked to alleged financial transactions between CMRL and Veena's IT company, Exalogic Solutions.

According to the ED's allegations, Exalogic received around ₹2.78 crore from CMRL in payments described as IT consultancy fees, despite the agency alleging that the services were not actually provided. The ED has also alleged a wider money trail involving Vijayan and Riyas. These allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny. 

Pinarayi Vijayan Has Denied Allegations

Vijayan has rejected allegations against himself and his family.

He has maintained that his “hands are clean” and that neither he nor his family members were involved in hawala transactions. He has also argued that his daughter faced unusual scrutiny because she is related to him. 

Riyas has separately said he is not afraid of any investigation, while the CPI(M) has continued to question the ED's motives and the manner in which the probe is being conducted.

CMRL Case Under Investigation

The case has its origins in investigations into alleged financial irregularities at CMRL. The Income Tax Department had earlier identified alleged irregular expenses, while subsequent proceedings by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and the ED expanded scrutiny of the company's financial transactions.

The ED has alleged that some payments made by CMRL were part of a broader financial arrangement involving several individuals and entities.

The agency has also said that searches conducted at locations linked to the case yielded documents and digital evidence that are still being analysed. 

ED Action Intensifies Political Battle

The ED's latest request has intensified an already sharp political confrontation in Kerala.

Vijayan, who is now in the opposition, remains a prominent CPI(M) leader, while Riyas is also an important figure within the party. The investigation has therefore acquired significance beyond the legal proceedings, with the CPI(M) accusing central agencies of political targeting and the opposition demanding greater scrutiny of the allegations.

At the same time, the Congress-led state government has indicated that it will examine the ED's communication before deciding on further action. Kerala's Home Department is currently headed by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala. 

Investigation, Not Conviction

The latest ED action does not amount to a judicial finding of guilt against Vijayan, Riyas or Veena.

The allegations concerning alleged corruption, financial transfers and the CMRL transactions will have to be tested through the legal process. The Kerala Police will also have to consider the ED's request for an FIR before deciding on the next step.

For the CPI(M), however, the political response is already clear: Govindan has signalled that the party intends to confront the allegations rather than allow the investigation to become a political pressure point.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has rejected the CPI(M)’s allegation that the Congress-led state government is colluding with the Centre over the Enforcement Directorate’s action against former Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan in the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) case.

Satheesan said the government would allow the legal process to take its course, as political tensions intensified after the ED sought registration of an FIR against Vijayan, his daughter T Veena and son-in-law P.A. Mohammed Riyas under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Satheesan Rejects CPM’s Allegation

The Chief Minister’s response comes a day after CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan accused the ED of politically targeting Vijayan and Riyas. The CPI(M) has described the central agency’s action as politically motivated and questioned the role of the Congress-led government in the matter.

Satheesan rejected the suggestion of any understanding between the Congress-led Kerala government and the Centre, maintaining that the government would follow the law in dealing with the ED communication.

The ED has formally approached the Kerala Director General of Police seeking registration of a separate FIR in connection with its findings in the CMRL-linked case.

ED Seeks FIR Against Vijayan, Veena and Riyas

The ED has asked the Kerala Police to register a case against Pinarayi Vijayan, T Veena, Mohammed Riyas and others under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The agency’s request relates to alleged payments made by CMRL to Veena’s IT company, Exalogic Solutions. According to the ED, Exalogic received around ₹2.78 crore from CMRL as consultancy payments despite allegedly not providing the claimed services.

The agency has also alleged that its investigation uncovered evidence pointing to a wider financial trail and alleged hawala transactions. These are allegations by the investigating agency and have not been established as offences by a court.

Vijayan Denies Hawala Allegations

Pinarayi Vijayan has rejected allegations against himself and his family.

He has previously said that his “hands are clean” and that neither he nor his family members were involved in hawala dealings. Vijayan has also argued that his daughter was subjected to unusual scrutiny because of her relationship with him.

The latest ED request therefore comes amid a continuing dispute over both the substance of the allegations and the manner in which the investigation is being pursued.

CPI(M) Accuses ED of Political Motive

The CPI(M) has mounted a strong political defence of Vijayan and Riyas.

Party state secretary M.V. Govindan has accused the ED of attempting to create narratives against senior CPI(M) leaders and described the agency’s action as politically motivated.

The party has also questioned whether the Congress-led government will act on the ED’s request, given that the state police come under the Home Department of the state government.

The CPI(M)’s allegations of political targeting are claims by the party and have not been independently established.

Congress Government to Examine ED Request

The ED’s request has placed the Congress-led state government in a politically sensitive position.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said the government will examine the communication received from the central agency. The final decision on registering an FIR rests with the state police after considering the ED’s report and applicable law.

This has given the issue a dual political and legal dimension, with the CPI(M) accusing the government of cooperating with the Centre while the Congress maintains that the investigation must be dealt with according to law.

CMRL Case Has Been Under ED Probe

The case stems from investigations into financial transactions involving CMRL and Exalogic Solutions.

The ED’s investigation followed earlier scrutiny by the Income Tax Department and other agencies. In May, the central agency conducted searches at locations connected with the case, including premises linked to Pinarayi Vijayan. The Kerala High Court had also allowed the ED investigation to continue after dismissing a petition seeking to quash the proceedings.

The ED has now sought a separate police FIR based on material it says emerged during its investigation.

Legal Process Now in Focus

The latest development does not amount to a conviction or a judicial finding of wrongdoing against Vijayan, Veena or Riyas.

The ED has made allegations and requested registration of a case. The Kerala Police and, subsequently, the courts will determine how the matter proceeds.

For Satheesan’s government, the immediate challenge is to demonstrate that the decision-making process is based on law rather than political considerations. For the CPI(M), the issue has become another point of confrontation with both the central agencies and the Congress-led state administration.

As the ED’s request is examined, the political battle in Kerala is likely to continue alongside the legal process.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Bilaspur on Monday arrested three officials of Sakti Janpad Panchayat after catching them red‑handed while accepting a ₹1 lakh bribe. The accused — Janpad CEO Nikhil Kashyap, assistant grade‑3 clerk Avinash Thakur and peon Lachhan Bhanu — allegedly demanded ₹2 lakh to release the next tranche of funds under the Prime Minister’s Adarsh Gram Yojana.

According to ACB officials, the case began with a complaint by Arun Kumar Bhardwaj of Limtara village. Arun told investigators that his mother, the village sarpanch, had received sanction for development works — including construction of a ghat and drains — worth ₹20 lakh. While a cheque for ₹8 lakh had already been issued, the remaining ₹12 lakh was pending.

Arun said that when he approached CEO Nikhil Kashyap and clerk Avinash Thakur for release of the balance cheque, both demanded ₹2 lakh to process it. He refused and lodged a complaint with ACB, Bilaspur, which launched an inquiry. Preliminary probe revealed that an advance of ₹1 lakh had already been taken via the office peon, the ACB said.

Acting on the complaint, ACB planned a trap on June 15. The complainant visited the Janpad office with the remaining ₹1 lakh, handed the cash to the peon as instructed, and ACB teams swooped in and arrested all three. The seized cash was recovered from the accused, officials said.

“The accused were caught accepting ₹1 lakh in furtherance of a demand of ₹2 lakh for issuing the sanction cheque,” an ACB officer said. Cases have been registered under sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended), and legal proceedings are underway.

Local sources allege the CEO had directed the clerk to coordinate the transaction, and the clerk had in turn used the peon to collect money. The ACB statement said the agency will examine departmental records and communications to trace any larger nexus or recurring malpractice.

The detained officials were taken into custody and will be produced before court as the probe continues. “We will follow the evidence trail. No corrupt practice will be tolerated,” an ACB spokesperson told reporters, declining to share operational details pending further action.

The incident has stirred concern among panchayat members and villagers in Limtara, who said development work was being held up while officials allegedly levered their position to seek bribes. “Funds were sanctioned for basic public works. We hope ACB action ensures justice and the release of pending money,” said a resident who asked not to be named.

The arrests come amid increased scrutiny of local governance and public fund disbursement in Chhattisgarh. In recent months authorities have stepped up anti‑graft operations targeting irregularities in welfare and rural development schemes. Observers say such quick trap operations are intended to send a deterrent message to officials who exploit procedural delays to extract money.

The ACB has collected statements from the complainant and other witnesses and will also seek to verify records related to the PM Adarsh Gram Yojana sanction and cheque issuance. Further details, including exact departmental disciplinary steps against the accused, are awaited as the investigation progresses.

Rewa Tehsil Clerk Caught Taking Rs 9,500 Bribe

Tyonthar Tehsil office staffer arrested by Lokayukta team

In a swift anti-corruption operation, the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta police arrested a tehsil clerk on Thursday for allegedly demanding a bribe to resolve a land-related case and threatening the complainant with eviction proceedings. The accused, identified as Anil Kumar Tripathi, was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 9,500 as part of the demanded bribe.

The incident has triggered a stir at the Tyonthar tehsil office, with staff expressing shock over the timing of the raid inside the premises. Officials said the arrest was made following a verified complaint and a meticulously planned trap.

Complaint Filed Days Earlier

According to Lokayukta officials, the complainant, Ajay Mishra, a resident of Dadhakala village under Janey police station in Tyonthar tehsil, approached the Lokayukta office on May 4, 2026. Mishra alleged that Tripathi, who handles case files at the tehsil, was pressuring him to pay Rs 80,000 for a favourable decision in his pending matter. The clerk allegedly used the threat of eviction (bedkhali) action to build pressure.

Initial verification by the Lokayukta team confirmed the demand. A trap team was subsequently formed under the guidance of senior officers.

Trap Laid, Clerk Nabbed

On May 7, the team laid a trap at the tehsil office. Tripathi was allegedly caught accepting Rs 9,500 as the first instalment of the bribe. The entire operation was conducted under the leadership of DSP Praveen Singh Parihar, with Inspector S. Ram Maravi and a 12-member team, including independent government witnesses, present at the spot.

“After thorough verification of the complaint, a planned trap was executed. The accused was arrested while accepting the bribe money,” Parihar told reporters. A case has been registered against Tripathi under Section 7(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018). Further investigation is underway.

Fear of Eviction Used as Leverage

Mishra later narrated his ordeal, saying repeated demands for money had left him harassed. “They were not processing the case and kept threatening to initiate eviction proceedings if I did not pay,” he claimed. Distressed by the continuous pressure, he finally approached the Lokayukta.

The arrest has brought renewed attention to corruption at the tehsil level, where land records, mutations, and eviction-related matters often become sources of alleged bribery.

Lokayukta Appeals for Public Vigilance

The Lokayukta organisation has appealed to citizens to report any instances of bribery immediately. “If any officer or employee demands a bribe, complain without fear to the Lokayukta office or on the designated helpline,” a senior official said.

This latest action comes under the direct supervision of Lokayukta Director General Yogesh Deshmukh and IG Manoj Singh. Officials emphasised that such operations would continue to keep government offices corruption-free.

 Public Reaction and Local Impact

Local residents in Tyonthar expressed mixed reactions. While many welcomed the arrest, some voiced concern over delays in routine tehsil work following the incident. Tehsil officials maintained that work continued normally after the initial disruption, but the episode has clearly shaken the local administrative setup.

Land-related disputes and revenue department processes remain among the most common areas where citizens report facing demands for speed money. Cases involving mutations, possession certificates, and eviction notices frequently surface in such complaints.

Next Steps in Investigation

The arrested clerk has been taken into custody, and authorities are examining other files handled by him to check for similar patterns. The Lokayukta team is also recording statements of witnesses and examining relevant documents from the tehsil office.

This development is being seen as part of a broader drive against corruption in Madhya Pradesh’s revenue department. Similar actions have been reported in other districts in recent months, indicating sustained focus by the anti-graft body.

The case will now proceed in the special court for Prevention of Corruption Act matters. Tripathi is likely to be produced before the court soon for remand.

A special court in Surguja district has convicted a Block Education Office clerk in a corruption case involving the acceptance of a ₹10,000 bribe from a retired school teacher. The verdict brings closure to a case that was initiated after a successful Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) trap in 2020.

Background of the Case

The case originates from the retirement of headmaster Barnavas Minj, who retired on 28 February 2017 from Middle School Ghoghra in the Batouli block. After retirement, he was entitled to receive nearly ₹7 lakh, which included gratuity, leave encashment, and arrears under the Seventh Pay Commission.

To process his dues, he approached the Block Education Office where clerk Pramod Gupta was responsible for handling documentation and bill processing.

Bribe Demand and Complaint

Initially, the clerk reportedly took ₹5,000 from the retired teacher for preparing necessary documents. Later, he allegedly demanded an additional ₹10,000, claiming it was required for submitting the bill to the treasury office and clearing arrears. Feeling harassed and helpless, the retired teacher approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

ACB Trap and Arrest

Acting on the complaint, the ACB team laid a trap on 30 December 2020 at the Block Education Office in Batouli. The clerk was caught red-handed while accepting ₹10,000 as bribe. He was immediately arrested and a case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Court Proceedings and Verdict

The case was heard in the court of Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act) Mamta Patel. After examining the evidence presented by the prosecution, the court found clerk Pramod Gupta guilty of corruption charges. The court sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5,000. In case of non-payment of the fine, he will have to undergo an additional six months of imprisonment.

Impact of the Judgment

The verdict is being seen as a strong message against corruption in government offices. It highlights the legal consequences faced by public servants involved in bribery and reinforces the role of anti-corruption agencies in ensuring accountability.