The Keralam High Court has directed the registration of an FIR under anti-corruption law against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others in the alleged CMRL bribery case, based on an Enforcement Directorate report. The court allowed a petition seeking an FIR instead of a preliminary inquiry. A detailed judgement is awaited.

 

The ED has alleged that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited made fraudulent payments of 2.78 crore rupees to a company formerly owned by Vijayan’s daughter, Veena T, under the guise of IT consultancy services.

 

The CPI(M) has said it will fight the matter legally and politically, alleging political targeting. Meanwhile, the BJP has welcomed the court’s order and demanded Vijayan’s resignation.