ED recommendation against Pinarayi: Probe may face delay amid political pressure

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The possibility of an immediate investigation based on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) recommendation against Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter and son-in-law appears to be fading. Political pressure is reportedly influencing the matter, while concerns are also growing within the UDF over whether the investigation could eventually backfire. KPCC president and Minister Sunny Joseph’s statement that a decision would be taken only after examining the legal aspects is being seen as an indication of the government’s caution.

The Advocate General is learnt to have informed the Home Department, following a preliminary examination, that there were no direct statements or evidence to register a case against Pinarayi Vijayan and Mohammed Riyas. However, Chief Minister V D Satheesan reiterated at a meeting of KPCC and DCC office-bearers on Thursday that the government cannot simply ignore the ED’s recommendation to register a case in the CMRL monthly pay-off case. At the same time, the government will have to proceed with considerable caution.

If the investigation is intensified, there could be demands for a probe into other transactions involving payments received from CMRL. This has raised concerns within the UDF that the move could eventually backfire.

Moreover, the Congress national leadership and the INDIA bloc have been critical of the Central government’s use of the ED as a political weapon against its opponents. However, another section within the Congress believes that it would be unwise to give up such a strong weapon against Pinarayi and the CPM.

Several Congress leaders and leaders of some alliance partners have also taken the position that there is no need to rush into action. This has added to the pressure on the government.

Govt forwards ED’s letter to Advocate General

The letter sent by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), seeking registration of a case against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others under the Prevention of Corruption Act in the monthly pay-off case, has been forwarded to the Advocate General. The government plans to take further action after receiving legal advice.

The Advocate General will submit a report on how the case should proceed and whether a case should be registered. The government will take further action only after receiving the report.

Rs 20.5 crore allegation

In a letter sent to the state government, the ED has alleged that Mohammed Riyas illegally acquired Rs 20.5 crore while he was a minister and that part of the money was transferred to Dubai. The ED has also reportedly stated that Riyas’s friend Hassan Waris gave a statement in this regard.

According to the ED, the money was transferred abroad to establish a company and conduct business in Dubai. The agency has alleged that Shaijal Mohammad, P Nikhil, Hassan Waris, V P Haijas, M Nandalal and T Veena were involved in hawala transactions.

“Pinarayi was the target initially, and later it was Veena. When both attempts failed, they turned against me. Communists are not afraid of the ED. We will fight it both legally and politically,” said Mohammed Riyas.