CMRL-Exalogic scam: Pinarayi Vijayan, Riyas named first accused in two FIRs
Synopsis
In a major legal escalation, Kerala's VACB is registering two FIRs naming former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and ex-minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas as first accused in the CMRL-Exalogic payments case — acting on a High Court order that bypassed a preliminary inquiry. Vijayan is simultaneously challenging the directive in the division bench, setting up a high-stakes legal showdown.
Key Takeaways
The VACB will register two FIRs at the Vigilance Court in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, 13 October 2026 .
Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan is the first accused in the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payments case; his daughter T.
Veena is the second accused in both FIRs.
Mohammed Riyas , former tourism minister and Veena's husband, is the first accused in the second case relating to alleged corruption money received by him.
The cases follow a Kerala High Court single bench directive to register cases on the basis of the Enforcement Directorate's report, skipping a preliminary inquiry.
Vijayan is reportedly challenging the single bench order before the High Court's division bench on the same day, which could trigger fresh legal proceedings.
The VACB has stated that prior sanction is not required to proceed, given the court's explicit direction.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) is set to register two separate FIRs at the Vigilance Court in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, 13 October 2026, naming former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] legislator and former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas as the first accused in distinct cases linked to the CMRL-Exalogic payments controversy. The move follows a Kerala High Court single bench directive ordering a full-fledged investigation into allegations that monthly payments were routed from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) to Exalogic Solutions, a company owned by Vijayan's daughter T. Veena.
Two Cases, Two Accused
The first FIR pertains to the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payments, in which Vijayan is the first accused and Veena the second. The second FIR focuses on alleged corruption money received by Riyas — who served as tourism minister in the second Left Democratic Front (LDF) cabinet and is the husband of Veena — with Veena again named as second accused. The two cases will examine distinct allegations and the circumstances surrounding the payments and any alleged official favours extended to Exalogic.
High Court Directive and Legal Background
The Kerala High Court single bench directed the VACB to register cases on the basis of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) report, bypassing a preliminary inquiry stage. The court also set aside an order by the police chief constituting a special investigation team without government approval. The government is now expected to issue a fresh order appointing a special team recommended by the Vigilance Director, in line with the court's observations on the authority to constitute such a team. All relevant documents held by the Crime Branch have been transferred to the Vigilance.
Prior Sanction and Procedural Stance
The VACB has taken the position that prior sanction is not required to proceed with the investigation, given the High Court's specific direction ordering registration of cases. This procedural clarity is significant as it removes a potential obstacle that could otherwise have delayed the probe against a former chief minister and a sitting legislator.
Vijayan's Legal Challenge
According to sources familiar with the developments, Vijayan is reportedly moving ahead with a petition before the High Court's division bench — also on Monday — challenging the single bench order. If admitted, this petition could trigger a fresh legal battle over the scope and procedure of the Vigilance investigation, potentially stalling or reshaping the inquiry. This comes amid a prolonged political confrontation in Kerala over the case, which has also seen scrutiny from central investigative agencies.
Political and Legal Ramifications
The registration of FIRs marks one of the most consequential developments yet in the CMRL-Exalogic controversy, which has dogged the outgoing LDF dispensation for months. The investigation must now establish whether the payments from CMRL to Exalogic Solutions were linked to any undue official favours extended by those holding public office. With Vijayan's division bench challenge in the pipeline, the next few days are expected to be critical in determining whether the probe proceeds as directed or is put on hold pending judicial review.
Point of View
A familiar pattern in politically sensitive Kerala cases. The naming of Veena as second accused in both FIRs broadens the scope significantly, implicating a private company's operations directly in allegations of public-office abuse. Mainstream coverage has focused on the political drama; the deeper question is whether the investigation framework — without prior sanction and with Crime Branch documents already transferred — is legally airtight enough to withstand the inevitable appeal.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMRL-Exalogic case about?
The CMRL-Exalogic case involves allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) made regular monthly payments to Exalogic Solutions , a company owned by T. Veena , daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan , and that public officials extended undue favours to the company. The Enforcement Directorate investigated the payments, and the Kerala High Court subsequently directed the VACB to register formal cases.
Who are the accused named in the two FIRs?
In the first FIR — relating to CMRL-Exalogic payments — Pinarayi Vijayan is the first accused and T. Veena is the second. In the second FIR — relating to alleged corruption money — P.A. Mohammed Riyas is the first accused and Veena is again the second accused. Riyas is both the former tourism minister and Veena's husband.
Why did the Kerala High Court bypass a preliminary inquiry?
The Kerala High Court single bench directed the VACB to register cases directly on the basis of the Enforcement Directorate's existing report, finding sufficient grounds to proceed without a fresh preliminary inquiry. The court also set aside the police chief's order on constituting an investigation team that was made without government approval.
Is Vijayan challenging the High Court order?
Yes. According to sources familiar with the matter, Vijayan is reportedly moving a petition before the High Court's division bench on Monday, challenging the single bench order. If the division bench admits the petition, it could open a fresh legal front over the procedure and scope of the Vigilance investigation.
What happens next in the investigation?
With the two FIRs registered, the VACB will conduct a full-fledged investigation to determine whether CMRL's payments to Exalogic Solutions were linked to official favours. The government is expected to appoint a new special investigation team as recommended by the Vigilance Director. The outcome of Vijayan's challenge before the division bench will be a key factor shaping how quickly the probe advances.
