Pinarayi Vijayan Seeks to Quash FIRs Filed by VACB

Pinarayi Vijayan, the former Chief Minister of Kerala, has approached the High Court seeking to quash two First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against him and his family by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB). These FIRs pertain to alleged financial misconduct in connection with transactions involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, an IT firm associated with his daughter, T Veena. The appeal was filed on 10 October 2023, shortly after the VACB registered the cases following a directive from a Single Bench of the High Court.

The two FIRs were lodged by the VACB’s Thiruvananthapuram Special Investigation Unit One. They invoke charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act against a total of 13 accused, with Vijayan named as the first accused in the case regarding the financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic. Allegations include misuse of government machinery to benefit CMRL during Vijayan’s tenure as Chief Minister. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed that Rs 3.28 crore paid by CMRL to Exalogic was effectively a bribe intended for Vijayan, as it was for services that were allegedly not provided.

The second FIR is related to alleged illegal hawala transactions, where former minister PA Mohamed Riyas is named as the first accused and T Veena as the second accused. The allegations suggest that money received as monthly payments was transferred abroad through various shell companies. Evidence being examined includes a red diary recovered during raids, bank transactions, foreign currency exchanges, and the alleged use of benami SIM cards.

The investigation was initiated after KM Shajahan filed a petition in the High Court requesting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the allegations of monthly payments. A Single Bench led by Justice Badharudeen previously quashed an SIT constituted by the State Police Chief and directed the Vigilance to register cases based on a letter from the ED and other confidential materials presented in a sealed cover. The Court found prima facie grounds for the registration of the FIRs.

In his appeal, Vijayan’s legal team argues that the Single Bench violated principles of natural justice by ordering an investigation without allowing him a chance to present his defense. The petition also challenges the decision of the Vigilance to register the FIRs without conducting a preliminary inquiry, asserting that this action infringes upon his fundamental legal rights.

The Division Bench is scheduled to hear Vijayan’s petition at 1:45 PM on the same day it was filed. Meanwhile, reactions to the FIRs have emerged from various political figures. Shajahan expressed satisfaction that his legal efforts were yielding results, while Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan stated that the developments vindicate allegations he raised three and a half years ago.

Vijayan’s appeal highlights the contentious nature of the investigation and the broader political implications it holds in Kerala. The government’s response and the actions of the current administration under VD Satheesan will be closely monitored as the situation unfolds.