Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced that his government will legally examine the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) request for the state police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law PA Mohammed Riyas in a case linked to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL). The ED has alleged that Veena’s former IT firm, Exalogic Solutions, received payments without providing services, potentially constituting money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Satheesan, speaking at a press briefing in Thiruvananthapuram, stated that the state government will assess the legal aspects of the ED’s communication, which was sent under Section 66(2) of the PMLA. He emphasized that the matter is purely legal and not political, asserting that the law will take its course. The home department has sought legal advice from the Attorney General on the matter, though no further details have been disclosed.

Pinarayi Vijayan, now the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), dismissed the ED’s allegations as 'baseless' and claimed he has been 'persecuted' by federal agencies for a long time. He stated that his daughter Veena’s firm Exalogic Solutions entered into a legal agreement with CMRL and was paid for services rendered. Vijayan also denied that his daughter received money on his behalf, noting that Riyas was not married to Veena at the time of the alleged transactions. He accused the media of spreading 'lies, hatred and revenge' and vowed to fight the claims legally and politically.

The ED’s allegations include that Veena’s firm received Rs 2.78 crore from CMRL in the guise of IT consultancy payments, with the money allegedly funneled abroad through hawala routes. The agency also searched Vijayan’s premises in May and eight locations linked to CPM leaders in Kozhikode district. The ED’s report to the police claims Vijayan allegedly collected Rs 3.28 crore from CMRL as a bribe through Veena.

Satheesan addressed reports of other political leaders, including Congress leader and current home minister Ramesh Chennithala, allegedly receiving bribes from CMRL. He clarified that political parties may receive funding from firms, which is different from the ED case. He also rejected claims that the CPM was trying to justify its actions, stating that the Left party would handle the matter legally and politically.

The CPM has termed the ED’s move a 'political vendetta' and said it would tackle the matter both legally and politically. The case remains under investigation, with no further details on the legal proceedings or potential charges yet to be disclosed.