The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on May 27 carried out simultaneous raids at 12 locations across Kerala in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, the IT firm owned by Veena Vijayan, daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The searches included Pinarayi Vijayan’s rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram, the Kozhikode residence of former minister and his son-in-law Mohammed Riyas, and the offices of CMRL, a company involved in mineral sand mining. The raids began early Tuesday morning.
The ED action came a day after the Kerala High Court dismissed a petition filed by CMRL challenging the agency’s summons. The court observed that the ED had merely sought factual details and documents, effectively clearing the way for the agency to continue its probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Central agencies are investigating allegations that CMRL paid around ₹1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions between 2015 and 2020 without receiving any legitimate services in return. Alongside the ED probe, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) is also examining the financial transactions linked to the case.
Following the raids, CPM workers and leaders gathered outside the residences linked to the investigation, raising slogans against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Sangh Parivar. Security personnel deployed at the locations prevented protesters from approaching the premises.
Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas was reportedly stopped by central forces while attempting to enter Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence. Similar protests were witnessed outside Mohammed Riyas’ residence in Kozhikode.
In a Facebook post, Mohammed Riyas said the raids would not intimidate the party and accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies for a politically motivated witch-hunt. CPM general secretary M.A. Baby termed the searches a “brutal attack” on the party and alleged that Pinarayi Vijayan was being targeted through investigations involving his daughter. CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan also accused central agencies of acting at the behest of the Sangh Parivar.
The developments have also triggered political debate within Kerala, with critics pointing out that the CPM had earlier distanced itself from the legal troubles faced by Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of former CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, when he was arrested in a separate case.
Meanwhile, CPM leaders have linked the ED action to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Modi, though opposition leaders have pointed to the Kerala High Court’s order that preceded the raids.
Reports later in the day suggested that investigators questioned Pinarayi Vijayan and Veena Vijayan, while electronic devices including computers and laptops were examined as part of the search operations.
Protests continued in several parts of the state, with the CPM announcing statewide demonstrations. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is also expected to participate in protest programmes, including a torch march.
Tensions escalated in some areas by evening, with reports of clashes and attempts by protesters to breach security barricades near the Chief Minister’s residence. Security personnel maintained tight vigil as isolated incidents of stone-pelting and bottle-throwing were reported.
