CPI(M) Defends Pinarayi Vijayan Amid ED Action

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.