Keralam government forms SIT to probe graft charges against Pinarayi and others in CMRL-Exalogic payoff case
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The agency had sought registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Pinarayi Vijayan (in picture), his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law and former Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas and others. File. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat
The KeralamΒ government has constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the corruption allegations against Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law and former Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas and others in the CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case.
The probe will be supervised by Additional Director General of Police, Crime Branch, H. Venkatesh, with Superintendent of Police P. Vikraman leading the investigation, official sources said.
The Home department is yet to issue official orders constituting the SIT. The team will also comprise officers in the ranks of Deputy Superintendents of Police and Inspectors, along with officials from the Cyber Division, the sources added.
The probe has been instituted on the basis of a report by the Enforcement Directorate to State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The agency had sought registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Mr. Vijayan, Ms. Veena, Mr. Riyas and some of Mr. Riyasβ associates.Β
Mr. Chandrasekhar told mediapersons on the sidelines of a function here that the police would initially conduct a preliminary inquiry based on the communication by the ED. He clarified that a Vigilance inquiry would not be initiated at the present stage and that the police would first examine the evidence provided by the Central agency.
He pointed out that the preliminary examination was necessary to determine whether a criminal case could be registered.
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