Kerala govt to decide on CMRL-Exalogic probe after legal opinion: Home Minister Chennithala
Synopsis
Kerala's Home Minister has confirmed the state received the Advocate General's opinion on the ED's 25-page CMRL-Exalogic report — which names former CM Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena Vijayan, and over 12 others. The final call on whether to go through state Vigilance or hand the case to the CBI now rests with CM Satheesan and Chennithala.
Key Takeaways
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala confirmed the Kerala government has received the Advocate General's legal opinion on the ED's CMRL-Exalogic report on 19 September 2026 .
The Advocate General has advised that a case can be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and PMLA .
The ED report names more than 12 people , including former CM Pinarayi Vijayan , Veena Vijayan , and former minister P.A.
The final decision rests with CM V.D.
Satheesan and Chennithala , expected in the coming days.
Demands are growing for a CBI referral, citing impartiality concerns over a state Vigilance probe.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday, 19 September 2026, said the state government will take a final decision in the coming days on the course of action regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) report in the CMRL-Exalogic case. The announcement follows receipt of the Advocate General's legal opinion on the 25-page ED report submitted to the state police chief.
What the Legal Opinion Says
According to sources, the Advocate General has advised that the government can proceed with an investigation based on the ED's findings. The opinion indicates that a case can be registered and investigated under both the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Notably, the legal opinion leaves it to the Vigilance Director to decide whether to conduct a preliminary enquiry or register a full-fledged FIR, also giving the investigating agency the freedom to determine the nature of the probe.
Key Allegations in the ED Report
The ED report centres on controversial financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company owned by Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The agency claims its investigation has uncovered evidence and documents beyond the allegations that had surfaced earlier.
The ED has alleged that Pinarayi Vijayan, who was Chief Minister at the time, misused his official position and received illegal payments, with money reportedly routed through Exalogic. It has sought action under the Prevention of Corruption Act against more than 12 people, including Vijayan, former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, and Veena Vijayan. The report also points to other financial transactions running into several crores and a wider financial network beyond the accounts of the directly involved companies.
CM Satheesan to Co-decide on Return
Chennithala confirmed that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is currently out of station. Once Satheesan returns, the two will discuss the Advocate General's opinion before announcing a final course of action. 'Monday is a holiday here. In the coming few days, the State Government will take a decision,' Chennithala said.
Pressure to Hand Case to CBI
The Kerala government is facing mounting demands that the case be referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), with critics citing concerns over the impartiality of a state Vigilance probe given the wider political implications of the allegations. The final decision by Satheesan and Chennithala is therefore expected to determine whether the matter proceeds through Vigilance or is escalated to a central investigating agency.
This comes amid sustained scrutiny of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) administration's financial dealings, with the CMRL-Exalogic case now emerging as one of the most politically consequential probes in recent Kerala history.
Point of View
But who investigates: a state Vigilance bureau under a government aligned against the previous LDF administration, or the CBI with its own track record of political sensitivity. Either path carries perception risk. Handing it to Vigilance invites charges of a motivated probe; referring it to the CBI invites accusations of ceding state autonomy. What is missing from the public discourse is a clear timeline and transparency mechanism — without those, even the cleanest investigation will face credibility questions in an already polarised political climate.
NationPress
19 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMRL-Exalogic case in Kerala?
The CMRL-Exalogic case involves alleged controversial financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company owned by Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The ED has alleged that Pinarayi Vijayan misused his official position and that illegal payments were routed through Exalogic.
What has the Advocate General advised the Kerala government?
According to sources, the Advocate General has advised that the government can proceed with an investigation based on the ED's 25-page report. A case can be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the PMLA, with the Vigilance Director empowered to decide whether to start a preliminary enquiry or register a full FIR.
Who is named in the ED report?
The ED has sought action against more than 12 people, including former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena Vijayan, and former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas. A CPI(M) Kozhikode district secretariat member is also mentioned in connection with broader financial transactions.
When will Kerala take a final decision on the probe?
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said the decision will come in the coming few days, once Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan returns from out of station. The two leaders will discuss the Advocate General's opinion before announcing a final course of action.
Why are some demanding a CBI probe instead of a Vigilance inquiry?
Critics have raised concerns about the impartiality of a state Vigilance probe given the political sensitivity of the allegations against a former chief minister. A CBI referral is being demanded to ensure an independent investigation, though the government has not yet indicated which route it will take.
