Thiruvananthapuram, 22 September (H.S.): The Kerala government is likely to decide on Tuesday whether to initiate an investigation against Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan and others over the alleged financial dealings between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions.

The decision is expected after Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan holds discussions with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. The government is reportedly considering forming a special investigation team to verify the allegations and examine the evidence submitted by the Enforcement Directorate.

The government is expected to proceed cautiously, considering the possibility of accusations that the proposed investigation is politically motivated.

In its letter to the State Police Chief, the ED reportedly sought an investigation against Vijayan, former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas and others. The agency alleged that payments made by CMRL to Exalogic Solutions, a company associated with Vijayan's daughter T. Veena, amounted to an illegal financial benefit.

Advocate General Jaju Babu has advised the government that a case could be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He said the government could either directly register an FIR or order a preliminary Vigilance inquiry before beginning criminal proceedings.

The legal opinion, initially submitted to the Home Secretary, has been forwarded to the Home Minister for consideration.

The ED alleged that Rs 3.28 crore paid by CMRL to Veena under purported service agreements was intended as a bribe to Vijayan when he was Chief Minister. The transactions reportedly took place between March 4, 2017, and May 18, 2019.

Director General of Prosecution T. Asaf Ali has also reportedly advised that cases could be registered against Vijayan, Veena and Riyas. His legal opinion said the available material warranted an investigation into the financial transactions and related hawala allegations.

The government will determine the nature and scope of the proposed investigation after examining both legal opinions and the material supplied by the ED.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman