ED Summons Pinarayi Vijayan After SC Rejects FIR Challenge in Cochin Minerals Bribery Case

Following the Supreme Court's decision not to hear an urgent appeal by Vijayan. Challenging a Kerala High Court order directing the registration of an FIR in the CMRL-Exalogic bribery case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned him to appear at its Kochi zonal office on October 23.

The ED's move comes a day after a division bench of the Kerala High Court dismissed Vijayan's appeals challenging a single-bench order directing the state's Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to register an FIR in the case without further delay. The VACB had filed an FIR against Vijayan and others on Monday.

The ED subsequently registered two Enforcement Case Information Reports — its equivalent of an FIR — against Vijayan and his family members under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

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In May, the ED conducted raids on several premises linked to Vijayan, allegedly recovering documents indicating a money trail. The VACB had booked Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, son-in-law Muhammed Riyas, and others under the Prevention of Corruption Act, alleging that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) paid a bribe of Rs 3.28 crore to Veena's IT firm, Exalogic Solutions, disguised as consultation charges.

Last month, the ED submitted a report to the state police seeking registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act. On October 12, the VACB filed two FIRs in the case following a Kerala High Court order quashing the state police's preliminary probe.

In its order on Thursday, a division bench of the HC noted that there was sufficient material in the ED report to file an FIR and that a preliminary probe was not mandatory.

The Kerala High Court's decision is the latest development in the CMRL-Exalogic bribery case, which has been ongoing since 2020. Vijayan, who served as Kerala's chief minister from 2016 to 2021, has been accused of accepting a bribe of Rs 3.28 crore from CMRL in exchange for favours.

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The Enforcement Directorate's actions are part of a broader investigation into Vijayan's alleged involvement in the bribery case. The ED has registered several Enforcement Case Information Reports against Vijayan and his family members.

As the investigation continues, Vijayan's lawyers have expressed concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. The Kerala High Court's decision has been welcomed by some as a step towards ensuring accountability. Meanwhile, others have expressed skepticism about the ED's actions.

The CMRL-Exalogic bribery case has significant implications for Vijayan's reputation and his future political prospects. The case has also raised questions about the role of the Enforcement Directorate in investigating corruption cases and the independence of the judiciary.