ED names Pinarayi Vijayan, daughter Veena, and others in CMRL‑Exalogic graft case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday slipped a formal recommendation into the hands of the Kerala police chief, urging the registration of a criminal case over the much‑talked‑about CMRL‑Exalogic deal. In its letter, the agency didn’t just point fingers at a faceless corporation; it actually named a handful of high‑profile individuals – former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena, his close aide Mohammed Riyas, a senior CMRL manager and a string of private firms.

According to the ED’s note, the alleged scheme revolved around a bribe of roughly ₹3.28 crore that supposedly passed through Veena to reach the ex‑CM, and then was funneled on to a Dubai‑based entity. The agency’s claim rests largely on the testimony of P. Suresh Kumar, who was the chief financial officer of the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) before he walked out.

Here’s a quick rundown of who the ED says is involved:

• Pinarayi Vijayan – accused of receiving the ₹3.28 crore bribe via his daughter.
• Veena Vijayan – alleged conduit who allegedly helped collect and move the money.
• Mohammed Riyas – said to have coordinated the transfer of the funds to Dubai.
• S.N. Sasidharan Kartha – CMRL Managing Director, alleged to have facilitated the bribe.
• P. Suresh Kumar – former CMRL CFO, accused of helping channel the illicit payment.
• Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd – the private firm cited as the “paper” company used to disguise the flow of money.
• Empower India Capital Investments Pvt Ltd – another firm named as a vehicle for moving the cash.
• Several other individuals – Shaijal Mohammad, Nikhil, Hassan Waris, Faijas V.P., Nandalal M. – listed as alleged helpers in the money‑moving chain.

The ED’s letter stops short of declaring anyone guilty; it simply recommends that the state police register a First Information Report (FIR) based on the material it has gathered. In other words, the ball is now in the court of Kerala’s law‑enforcement machinery.

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, when approached for comment, said the government had indeed received the ED’s communication. He added, in his typical measured tone, that “appropriate action will be taken as per procedural norms.” He also hinted that the public should “wait and watch,” a phrase that has already sparked a flurry of speculation on social media.

What happens next is, frankly, a bit of a waiting game. The police will have to sift through the ED’s evidence, decide whether it meets the threshold for an FIR, and then decide whether to move forward with a full‑scale investigation. Until that happens, the allegations remain just that – allegations.

For now, the political fallout is palpable. Opposition leaders have seized on the ED’s letter, calling for transparency and swift action, while supporters of the former chief minister have warned against a “media‑driven witch‑hunt.” As the story develops, more names may surface, and the courtroom drama could become another chapter in Kerala’s often turbulent political saga.