A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Kerala over the CMRL-Exalogic case, with two senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Wednesday, 23 September sharply questioning the United Democratic Front (UDF) government's decision to entrust a preliminary investigation to the Crime Branch rather than pursue a full criminal probe. The controversy centres on alleged irregular payments by Cochin Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to Exalogic Solutions, a matter that has already drawn scrutiny from central agencies.

Sreelekha's Salvo: 'UDF Does Not Intend to Do Much'

R. Sreelekha, former Kerala Director General of Police — the first woman to head the state police force — and now a BJP councillor in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, said the government's move signalled a lack of seriousness. In a social media post, she noted that after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had investigated and identified an offence in the monthly-payment case, the state had ordered yet another preliminary probe by invoking the Lalitha Kumari judgment — and had assigned it not to the Vigilance department but to the Crime Branch under the Police Department.

'What this makes clear is that the UDF government does not intend to do much in this matter. After all, it is the 'Indi alliance', isn't it? What else can one expect?' she said.

Radhakrishnan Raises Stakes, Names Vijayan and Family

Shortly before Sreelekha's remarks, senior BJP leader and former Kerala vice-chancellor K.S. Radhakrishnan alleged that the ED material forwarded to the State Police Chief raised serious questions about former Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena, and former minister and Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] MLA Mohammed Riyas. Radhakrishnan argued that the government had deliberately delayed criminal investigation while seeking legal opinions on procedural steps.

He further contended that a vigilance inquiry could not substitute for a criminal investigation where the material disclosed a cognisable offence. A proper criminal process, he said, entails collecting evidence, examining witnesses, establishing the accused's link to the alleged offence, filing a charge sheet, and letting the courts adjudicate. Radhakrishnan also referred to statements recorded by the ED under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and discussed the legal remedies available to anyone claiming such statements were coerced.

Government's Position: Process Was Followed

The state government has pushed back, maintaining that the Crime Branch referral followed a careful examination of the ED material and legal opinions obtained by the government. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said there was no undue haste and that the ED material was forwarded to the State Police Chief before any further action was taken. The government has not responded directly to the BJP's demand for a full criminal investigation.

The CMRL-Exalogic Case: Where It Stands

The controversy originated with allegations over payments made by CMRL to Exalogic Solutions and has already traversed investigations and legal proceedings before multiple agencies. The state's decision to move the matter to the Crime Branch marks a new chapter in a case that has been politically contentious since its inception. The CPI(M) is reportedly preparing to defend its leaders against what it characterises as politically motivated targeting.

What Comes Next

With the BJP pressing for a full criminal probe and the ruling coalition defending its procedural approach, the CMRL-Exalogic case is set to remain a major flashpoint in Kerala politics in the weeks ahead. The outcome of the Crime Branch's preliminary inquiry will likely determine whether the matter proceeds to a formal First Information Report — and whether opposition pressure forces the government's hand before that threshold is reached.