Kerala govt orders police inquiry into ED report on Vijayan

Kerala's UDF government has initiated a police inquiry into an Enforcement Directorate report that recommends action against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the Exalogic-CMRL payoff case. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated that the government's decision was based on legal prerequisites and established judicial precedents governing the sharing of information between the ED and law enforcement agencies.

The move follows the ED's filing of the report, which seeks action against the CPI(M) leader in connection with alleged irregularities in the controversial Exalogic-CMRL infrastructure deal. The government's decision to direct police to scrutinize the ED's findings marks a significant development in a case that has remained contentious in Kerala politics.

Chennithala rejected suggestions from the CPI(M) that political motivations influenced the government's decision. He cited relevant Supreme Court judgments that establish the framework for how the ED must coordinate with state law enforcement agencies and the procedures for sharing investigative information. The Home Minister emphasized that the government was adhering to constitutional and legal protocols rather than pursuing partisan objectives.

The case has remained a focal point of political debate in Kerala, with both the UDF and CPI(M) trading accusations over governance and accountability. The current police inquiry is expected to examine the ED's report and determine what further action, if any, may be warranted under state law.