Not going to get scared and run away: Mohamed Riyas after ED searches in CMRL pay-off case
Claiming that he had not done anything wrong, the CPI(M) leader said that the details about his wife’s business venture had been mentioned in the affidavit submitted along with the nomination papers for the Keralam Assembly elections
P.A. Mohamed Riyas, a Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] MLA representing Beypore in Kozhikode district of Keralam, declared on August 19, 2026 that he will not be intimidated or flee in the wake of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducting searches at the residences of his close associates. The former Minister for Public Works spoke to the media about his intent to address the accusations against him both politically and legally.
The raids on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, were part of an investigation into alleged pay-off case concerning financial dealings between Exalogic Solutions, an IT firm owned by Riyas' wife T. Veena, who is also the daughter of Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan. Riyas stated that those targeted by the ED had been his long-standing friends prior to his roles as an MLA and Minister.
"I have known them since my college days... They run legitimate and decent business establishments. The aim seems to be to create a smokescreen and keep them in the shadow of suspicion. Just because the ED has searched their properties, my relationship with them will not cease," he said. He expressed that some MLAs who won elections on Congress's symbol later switched to BJP out of fear from the ED.
"My opposition to BJP's politics has remained unchanged from yesterday, today, and will persist tomorrow as well, no matter what happens," he added. When questioned about the allegations involving Ms. Veena's company, Riyas welcomed any inquiry into the matter. "It is not fair to assert that a highly skilled individual cannot manage a business solely because she is the daughter of a political leader and the spouse of a political activist.
If that business is benefiting from political or administrative influence, it should be scrutinized," Riyas commented. Claiming his innocence, the CPI(M) leader affirmed that the specifics of his wife's business venture were included in the affidavit submitted along with his nomination papers for the Assembly elections.
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