CMRL Pay-Off Scandal Rocks Kerala: Former CM Vijayan, Daughter, Son-in-Law Named in VACB FIRs

The political landscape in Kerala is once again reverberating with shockwaves, as the state's Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has formally registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with the controversial CMRL pay-off case. This significant development casts a fresh shadow over some of the state's most prominent political figures, including former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law P.A. Mohamed Riyas.

It’s quite a list, isn't it? The FIRs, lodged in Thiruvananthapuram, detail accusations of a widespread criminal conspiracy and illicit financial dealings. They particularly focus on alleged illegal payments that flowed from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) to Veena's now-defunct IT company, Exalogic Solutions Private Limited. The period under scrutiny for this alleged conspiracy stretches from 2016 right up to 2020, painting a picture of prolonged financial impropriety.

The first FIR, a comprehensive document, names no fewer than eleven individuals. This includes Mr. Vijayan, who, it's worth remembering, currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly. His daughter, T. Veena, and son-in-law, P.A. Mohamed Riyas—a former Minister and sitting MLA—are also prominently featured. Adding to this formidable list are key figures from CMRL: S.N. Sasidharan Kartha, the Managing Director, and Suresh Kumar, the former Chief Financial Officer. Beyond them, the FIR extends its reach to individuals like Shaijal alias Shyjal Muhammad, Nikhil P., Waris alias Hassan Varish, Faijaz V.P., Nandulal M., and Subair Karuvampoyil, many of whom are said to be natives of Kozhikode or Thiruvananthapuram, with Faijaz V.P. notably identified as a UAE-based associate.

This latest action by the VACB stems from complaints received, including one by S.N. Sasidharan Kartha himself, whose name also appears among the accused. The core allegation here is nothing short of corruption and payments made outside the bounds of legitimate transactions, indicating a potential misuse of power and position for financial gain.

Adding another layer of complexity to this already intricate saga, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been conducting a parallel investigation. In fact, it was just a few months ago, on June 17, 2026, that T. Veena was called in for questioning at the ED office in Kochi, facing the heat of their probe. A crucial piece of evidence in the ED's possession, seized back in May (the exact year remains within the ongoing investigation's context), comprises handwritten notes. These notes purportedly detail a litany of payments made to various individuals, intriguingly referred to by initials like 'PV,' 'MR,' and 'TV.' One can only imagine the ripple effect this will have.

While CMRL had, at one point, characterized these sums as merely 'prospective investments' for a future business venture, both the VACB FIRs and the ongoing ED probe seem to suggest a starkly different narrative—one of illicit payments disguised or channelled through irregular means. The second FIR, though perhaps less expansive in its list of accused, nonetheless reinforces the serious nature of the allegations surrounding this financial scandal.

As these investigations unfold, with updates having been noted as recently as October 12, 2026, at 07:01 pm IST, the people of Kerala, and indeed the entire nation, will be watching closely. The shadow of controversy hangs heavy, and the outcome of these probes could very well redefine the political landscape for years to come.