CMRL pay-off case: Pinarayi’s son-in-law and CPI(M) leader Mohamed Riyas vows to ‘legally fight’ ED charges

Mohamed Riyas, a senior CPI(M) figure and the son‑in‑law of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, publicly declared his intention to fight the Enforcement Directorate (ED) charges related to the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) pay‑off case. The announcement was made via a Facebook post in which he described the leaked information as sensationalist and harmful.

The ED has been probing alleged irregularities in the CMRL project, focusing on claims of financial kickbacks. While the investigation details remain confidential, the agency’s involvement signals a formal inquiry into the purported pay‑off, prompting Riyas to assert his readiness to challenge the case in court.

The controversy adds to a series of corruption allegations that have periodically surfaced in Kerala’s political landscape, affecting public perception of the ruling coalition. Stakeholders, including opposition parties and civil society groups, are closely watching the legal proceedings, which could have broader implications for governance and party dynamics in the state.