CMRL-Exalogic case: VACB forms 2 teams to probe Pinarayi, Riyas, Veena
Synopsis
Kerala's VACB has formed two special teams to investigate former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and former minister Mohammed Riyas under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The probes follow a Kerala High Court order and cover alleged ₹3.28 crore payments by CMRL to Vijayan's daughter's firm, and a separate ₹85 lakh hawala transfer to the UAE linked to Riyas.
Key Takeaways
Kerala VACB constituted two special investigation teams on 14 October 2026 to probe the CMRL-Exalogic and hawala cases.
DIG Thomson Jose will supervise both probes; SP E.N.
Suresh leads the Vijayan case, SP Balakrishnan leads the Riyas case.
First case: CMRL allegedly paid ₹3.28 crore to T.
Veena's company Exalogic for services not rendered, with the ED calling it a bribe to Pinarayi Vijayan .
Second case: Mohammed Riyas allegedly transferred ₹85 lakh to the UAE via hawala channels; handwritten notes found at Veena's residence cited as evidence.
Both cases registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act following a Kerala High Court directive based on an ED report.
All allegations are yet to be established through investigation and legal proceedings.
Kerala's Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has constituted two separate special investigation teams to probe cases against former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and her husband, former minister Mohammed Riyas, among others. Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham issued the formation order on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, following a Kerala High Court directive based on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report. Both cases have been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Structure of the Investigation Teams
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Thomson Jose has been tasked with supervising both probes. Superintendent of Police (SP) E.N. Suresh will lead the investigation in the first case, in which Vijayan is the primary accused. The second case, in which former minister Mohammed Riyas is the first accused, will be investigated by Kozhikode Special Cell SP Balakrishnan. In both cases, T. Veena is named as the second accused.
The CMRL-Exalogic Case Against Vijayan
The first case centres on alleged payments made by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) to Veena's company, Exalogic, during the first Pinarayi Vijayan government. According to ED findings, Exalogic received ₹3.28 crore from CMRL purportedly for services that were never rendered. The ED has alleged that these payments were facilitated by political influence and effectively constituted a bribe to Vijayan. A total of seven people have been named as accused in this case, including CMRL owner Sasidharan Kartha.
The Hawala Allegation Against Riyas
The second case involves allegations that Riyas generated illegal funds while serving as a minister and transferred money abroad through hawala channels. According to ED findings, Riyas and Veena allegedly conspired with some of Riyas's associates to route ₹85 lakh to the United Arab Emirates through intermediaries. Investigators reportedly found handwritten notes during a search of Veena's residence, which have been cited in connection with the alleged transactions. The accused had also reportedly discussed setting up a garment export business in Dubai. Eight people, including Riyas's friends, are named as accused in this case.
Documents Handed Over, Probe Under Way
The Crime Branch Special Investigation Team has transferred relevant documents to the VACB, including statements recorded by associates of Riyas. The VACB will now conduct independent investigations into both cases. This comes amid sustained scrutiny of the Pinarayi Vijayan-era administration, with multiple financial allegations surfacing across different timelines. The allegations are yet to be established through investigation and legal proceedings.
What Happens Next
With DIG Thomson Jose overseeing both probes and separate SPs leading each case, the VACB is expected to record fresh statements and examine financial records in the coming weeks. Legal observers note that court-monitored investigations — prompted as these were by a High Court directive — tend to move on tighter timelines than routine VACB inquiries. The political fallout in Kerala, where Vijayan remains Leader of Opposition, is likely to intensify as the probe advances.
Point of View
Routed through a family member's company, echoes a pattern seen in several state-level corruption cases nationally, where shell or nominee firms are used to obscure the beneficial relationship. What is notable here is that the probe covers two distinct alleged modus operandi — corporate payments for non-existent services, and cross-border hawala transfers — suggesting investigators believe the conduct was not isolated. The real test will be whether the VACB, an agency that answers to a state government now in political contest with Vijayan's party, can demonstrate the institutional independence that a High Court-monitored inquiry demands.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMRL-Exalogic case involving Pinarayi Vijayan?
The CMRL-Exalogic case involves allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) paid ₹3.28 crore to T. Veena's company Exalogic for services that were reportedly never provided. The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that the payments were made due to political influence and amounted to a bribe to then-Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Why has the Kerala VACB formed special investigation teams now?
The VACB formed the two special teams following a Kerala High Court directive that was based on an Enforcement Directorate report. Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham issued the order on 14 October 2026, with DIG Thomson Jose tasked to supervise both investigations.
What are the hawala allegations against Mohammed Riyas?
The ED has alleged that former minister Mohammed Riyas, along with T. Veena, conspired with associates to transfer ₹85 lakh to the United Arab Emirates through hawala intermediaries while he was serving as a minister. Handwritten notes found at Veena's residence have reportedly been cited in connection with these alleged transactions.
Who are the accused in the two VACB cases?
In the first (CMRL-Exalogic) case, Pinarayi Vijayan is the first accused and T. Veena is the second; seven people in total are named, including CMRL owner Sasidharan Kartha. In the second (hawala) case, Mohammed Riyas is the first accused and T. Veena is the second, with eight people named including Riyas's associates.
Have the allegations against Vijayan, Riyas, and Veena been proven?
No. The allegations are yet to be established through investigation and legal proceedings. The VACB special teams have only just been formed and will now conduct independent probes; no findings have been confirmed in court.
