ED recommendation in monthly pay-off case; govt gets legal opinion allowing probe against Pinarayi Vijayan, Mohammed Riyas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has received legal advice stating that an investigation can be conducted against Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan and former minister Mohammed Riyas based on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) recommendation in the monthly pay-off case. The Advocate General has given the legal opinion, citing Supreme Court judgments. The government will now decide what type of investigation should be conducted.

The development comes as the government considers the ED's recommendation to register a case and investigate the allegations against Pinarayi Vijayan and Mohammed Riyas. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had said earlier on Friday that the legal advice was expected by Friday or Saturday and that he would discuss the matter with the Chief Minister after receiving it.

Meanwhile, Chennithala said he was not concerned about allegations that he had received money from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), adding that he had already given an explanation on the matter.