The United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala has approved a Crime Branch investigation into allegations involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena and his son-in-law, former minister P A Mohammed Riyas, following findings and recommendations submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The move follows a legal opinion obtained by the state government on the allegations raised in an ED communication to the Kerala Police. According to the legal advice, the allegations relating to financial transactions involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), Veena’s now-defunct company Exalogic Solutions, and other transactions can be examined by the state investigative agencies. The opinion also indicated that action could be considered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other applicable provisions of law.

Following the legal clearance, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala held discussions with Crime Branch ADGP H Venkatesh on the proposed investigation. The Crime Branch is expected to constitute a Special Investigation Team comprising officers from different units to examine the allegations and gather evidence.

The ED had earlier approached the state police chief seeking registration of cases against Pinarayi Vijayan, T Veena and P A Mohammed Riyas, among others. The agency’s findings reportedly relate to payments made by CMRL to Exalogic Solutions and allegations that certain financial transactions were connected to Pinarayi Vijayan. The ED has alleged that payments amounting to around ₹3.28 crore were made to Veena and her company and claimed that the transactions warranted further investigation.

The agency has also raised allegations concerning transactions involving Mohammed Riyas and claimed that money received through him was subsequently transferred to Dubai through hawala channels. The ED reportedly cited statements and material recovered during searches in support of its allegations.

The legal opinion reportedly stated that the government could either order a preliminary inquiry or proceed with registration of a case if the material supplied by the ED was found sufficient. A Vigilance investigation, a Crime Branch probe or the formation of an SIT were among the options considered by the government.

The proposed Crime Branch investigation is therefore expected to examine the financial transactions, the circumstances surrounding the alleged payments and the other claims contained in the ED’s report. The investigation will determine whether the allegations are supported by sufficient evidence and whether further criminal proceedings are warranted.