Thiruvananthapuram, 10 September (H.S.):

The Kerala government is awaiting legal advice on whether to initiate proceedings over Enforcement Directorate allegations involving Opposition Leader and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former Public Works Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas in connection with suspected bribery and illegal fund transfers.

According to details emerging from a 25-page letter sent by the ED to the State Police Chief, Riyas allegedly received Rs 20.5 crore in bribes and transferred part of the money to Dubai through hawala channels. The agency reportedly clarified that the alleged payments to Riyas did not originate from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited.

The ED claimed that seven pages of a diary maintained by Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan, contained references to the alleged payments and transfers involving Riyas. The agency described the diary as a ‘red book.’ Statements from three of Riyas’s friends — Nikhil, Shaijal and Waris — were also cited as supporting material.

The three reportedly told investigators that money had been moved to Dubai to establish a company and conduct business there. The ED said Veena stayed in Dubai for nearly two weeks during the period when the alleged transfer occurred. Its letter is said to contain transaction details, documents, statements and other material relating to 2024-25.

The agency further alleged that Pinarayi Vijayan received Rs 3.28 crore from CMRL in several instalments through Veena. It recommended a detailed investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Senior government officials reviewed the issue with the Chief Minister and Home Minister on Wednesday night. Although an ED communication alone does not automatically require an FIR, the government is examining whether its contents disclose sufficient grounds for a case. Officials are reportedly considering a preliminary inquiry before deciding on further action. The CPM is also studying possible legal responses to any proceedings that the government may initiate.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman