Stories
Kerala Forms SIT to Probe ED Findings in CMRL-Exalogic Case, Alleged Hawala Transactions
- •The Kerala government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Enforcement Directorate's findings in the CMRL-Exalogic "monthly payment" case.
- •The case involves former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena, and former minister PA Mohamed Riyas, focusing on alleged hawala transactions.
- •The SIT, supervised by ADGP H. Venkatesh and led by SP P. Vikraman, includes personnel from the Cyber Division and must complete its preliminary inquiry within 30 days.
- •The investigation follows a communication from the ED to the State Police Chief, seeking a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Vijayan, Veena, and Riyas.
- •The government opted for a preliminary inquiry before registering an FIR, despite legal advice suggesting a case could be filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Key Questions Answered
The Kerala government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the Enforcement Directorate's findings and alleged hawala transactions in the CMRL-Exalogic case involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members. The SIT was instructed to complete its preliminary inquiry within 30 days to decide whether a criminal case should be registered.
The investigation team is supervised by Additional Director General of Police, Crime Branch, H. Venkatesh, with Superintendent of Police P. Vikraman serving as the investigating officer. The team also includes Deputy Superintendents of Police, Inspectors, and personnel from the Cyber Division.
The Enforcement Directorate sent a communication under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act seeking the registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, T Veena, PA Mohamed Riyas, and his associates. This followed evidence gathered regarding alleged hawala transactions and financial irregularities linked to the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payment controversy.
