Kerala SIT formed to probe Pinarayi Vijayan in CMRL-Exalogic case
Synopsis
For the first time, a Kerala SIT is formally probing a sitting Opposition Leader — former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan — over alleged financial transactions between CMRL and his daughter's now-defunct IT firm, Exalogic. With a 30-day clock running and the CPI(M) already protesting on the streets, the case is shaping up as one of the most politically charged inquiries in Kerala's recent history.
Key Takeaways
Kerala Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 23 September 2026 to probe former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the CMRL-Exalogic case.
The SIT has a 30-day deadline for its preliminary probe, under Crime Branch ADGP H.
Venkatesh , with SP Vikraman as investigating officer.
The probe examines alleged financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions , the now-defunct IT firm of Vijayan's daughter T.
Mohammed Riyas , and the CPI(M) have rejected all allegations; they remain unestablished in law.
Satheesan said the action is not political witch-hunting; Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala cited the Supreme Court 's Lalita Kumari judgment.
CPI(M) workers staged street protests on Tuesday , vowing to fight the matter politically and legally.
The Kerala Police on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe former Chief Minister and current Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payment case — marking the first time that senior officers from the same police establishment that once reported to him will formally examine allegations concerning his decade-long tenure.
How the SIT Was Constituted
The SIT has been given 30 days to complete a preliminary probe. It will function under the supervision of Crime Branch ADGP H. Venkatesh, with SP Vikraman appointed as the investigating officer. The team comprises three Deputy Superintendents of Police, five Inspectors, and officers from the Cyber Division.
The formation follows the state government's decision to act on a communication from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) addressed to the State Police Chief regarding transactions involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions — the now-defunct IT company of Vijayan's daughter T. Veena. The government proceeded after obtaining legal advice on the material forwarded by the central agency.
What the Probe Will Examine
The SIT is tasked with examining allegations contained in the ED's report, specifically financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions. Allegations concerning Vijayan, his daughter Veena, and former minister and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) MLA P.A. Mohammed Riyas are yet to be established through police investigation or judicial process. Vijayan, Riyas, and the CPI(M) have categorically rejected the charges.
What the Government Said
The move followed discussions between Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala after the ED communication reached the State Police Chief. Satheesan maintained that the law would take its course and insisted the action was not political witch-hunting.
Chennithala stated that the government could not ignore information furnished by the ED and noted that the procedure for a preliminary inquiry had been examined in light of the Supreme Court's Lalita Kumari judgment — a landmark ruling that mandates registration of an FIR or a preliminary enquiry upon receiving cognisable-offence information.
Political Fallout and CPI(M) Response
Vijayan served as Chief Minister of Kerala from 2016 to 2026, making this a politically charged development. The CPI(M) has opposed the government's decision, vowing to fight the matter both politically and legally. On Tuesday, party workers took to the streets in protest, signalling that the dispute is set to intensify.
Notably, this is the first instance of a sitting Opposition Leader in Kerala facing a police SIT probe into alleged financial transactions linked directly to his tenure in government, adding an unprecedented layer to an already sensitive case.
With the SIT now operational and a 30-day deadline in place, the coming weeks will test both the independence of the inquiry and the political temperature in the state.
Point of View
But the optics benefit the ruling side regardless. The real question is whether the 30-day preliminary inquiry produces a substantive finding or becomes a political tool — and that answer will depend entirely on the quality of evidence the ED has actually shared, which is not yet public.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMRL-Exalogic case involving Pinarayi Vijayan?
The case concerns alleged financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, the now-defunct IT company of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter T. Veena. The Enforcement Directorate communicated details of these alleged transactions to the Kerala State Police Chief, prompting the state government to form an SIT for a preliminary probe. All allegations against Vijayan, Veena, and P.A. Mohammed Riyas remain unestablished in law.
Who is heading the SIT probing Pinarayi Vijayan?
The SIT functions under the supervision of Crime Branch ADGP H. Venkatesh, with SP Vikraman as the designated investigating officer. The team includes three Deputy Superintendents of Police, five Inspectors, and Cyber Division officers.
Why did the Kerala government form the SIT now?
The government acted after the Enforcement Directorate sent a formal communication to the State Police Chief regarding CMRL-Exalogic transactions. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala reviewed the material and obtained legal advice before proceeding. Chennithala cited the Supreme Court's Lalita Kumari judgment, which mandates a preliminary inquiry or FIR upon receipt of cognisable-offence information.
What has the CPI(M) said about the SIT probe?
The CPI(M) has firmly opposed the government's decision, calling it politically motivated, and has vowed to fight the matter both politically and legally. Party workers staged street protests on Tuesday, a day before the SIT was formally constituted. Vijayan and P.A. Mohammed Riyas have both rejected the allegations against them.
What happens after the 30-day preliminary probe?
The SIT has 30 days to submit its findings from the preliminary inquiry. Depending on the outcome, the probe could be escalated into a formal criminal investigation or closed if insufficient material is found. The process will be governed by the Supreme Court's Lalita Kumari guidelines on preliminary enquiries.
