Asianet News Live: Kerala Govt Receives Legal Advice on ED Probe into Vijayan, Riyas and Family

ED Recommendation and Legal Advice Received

On 18 September 2026, Manorama Online reported that the Kerala government had received നിയമോപദേശം (legal advice) indicating that an investigation against Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan, former minister P. Muhammad Riyas and his wife T. Veena is warranted based on the Enforcement Directorate’s letter. Source

നിയമോപദേശം ലഭിച്ചു: പിണറായിക്കെതിരെ അന്വേഷണം ഉറപ്പ്; പരിധിയിൽ റിയാസും വീണയും

Details from Manorama Online

The Manorama article added that the ED described the ₹3.28 crore paid by CMRL to Exalogic Solutions as a kickback to Vijayan and said funds routed via Riyas were allegedly transferred through hawala to Dubai. Source

Asianet News Malayalam on the Masappadi Case

Asianet News Malayalam reported on the same day that legal advice was expected regarding the ED’s recommendation to register a case in the Masappadi matter, highlighting the possibility of a vigilance preliminary inquiry. Source

മാസപ്പടി കേസിൽ പിണറായി വിജയനും റിയാസിനും വീണയ്ക്കുമെതിരെ കേസെടുക്കാമെന്ന ഇഡി ശുപാർശയിൽ നിയമോപദേശം ഇന്ന്

Government Response and Vigilance Role

Madhyamam noted that after receiving the legal advice, the government would decide soon, with the Vigilance department seen as the more appropriate agency to conduct any investigation based on the ED’s findings. Source

The outlet added that matters falling under the Prevention of Corruption Act could be handled by Vigilance, while economic offences linked to hawala could be taken up by the Crime Branch.

What This Means for Kerala Politics

The ongoing scrutiny adds pressure on the ruling LDF coalition, with opposition parties calling for transparency. However, the legal advice stage does not constitute a formal case or proven wrongdoing, and the final decision rests with the government after evaluating the Vigilance department’s recommendations.

Both Manorama Online and Madhyamam dated their articles to 18 September 2026, showing that the legal advice was received on that date, whereas Asianet News Malayalam reported that the advice was expected later on the same day regarding the Masappadi matter.

The advice does not guarantee a case will be registered; it merely indicates that the ED sees sufficient basis, and the government must weigh the Vigilance department’s recommendation before any formal action.

Observers note that the next step depends on whether the Vigilance department recommends a preliminary inquiry.