Business · India Bureau
Kerala Anti-Corruption Bureau files cases in CMRL payment controversy
The Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has registered two first information reports in connection with alleged irregular payments by Cochin Metro Rail Limited, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other senior officials named among the accused. The case emerged following investigations by federal tax and enforcement authorities.
LSN India ·
The Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has initiated criminal proceedings against multiple officials and political figures in connection with questioned transactions involving Cochin Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The dual FIRs mark an escalation in scrutiny of the payments, which had previously attracted attention from investigative agencies.
According to VACB filings, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former Finance Minister Veena, and Mohamed Riyas are among those named in the registered cases. The allegations centre on financial dealings that deviated from standard procurement and payment protocols.
The transactions had initially drawn investigative interest following parallel probes conducted by India's Income Tax Department and subsequent enforcement action by the Enforcement Directorate. Those federal-level inquiries had flagged irregularities in the movement and utilization of funds connected to the metro rail infrastructure project.
The VACB's decision to file separate FIRs suggests the investigating agency has gathered sufficient prima facie evidence to warrant formal criminal proceedings. The cases are expected to undergo detailed investigation to establish the nature of alleged violations and the extent of involvement by named individuals.