Kerala witnessed intense political upheaval as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 10 locations connected to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CMRL-Exalogic payment case. The searches, including at Vijayan’s residences in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, as well as CMRL offices, sparked strong reactions from CPI(M) leaders who criticized the move as a politically motivated attack with alleged BJP and Congress involvement.
Simultaneous raids were carried out at various locations, such as the residence of CMRL Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha and former minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas in Kozhikode. CPI(M) supporters gathered at the sites, protesting against the ED’s actions and warning of further demonstrations if Vijayan remained targeted.
Senior CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan, among the first to arrive at Vijayan’s residence, accused the BJP and Congress of collaborating in the raids. Jayarajan highlighted the timing of the ED operation, linking it to recent political developments in Kerala and questioning the agency’s motives in targeting Vijayan and others associated with CMRL.
Meanwhile, former minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas condemned the raids in a Facebook post, asserting his and his family’s defiance against any pressure from the Sangh Parivar. He vowed to resist any attempts to intimidate them, emphasizing their commitment to stand firm against such political maneuvers.
The ED’s scrutiny extends to Veena Vijayan, with investigations focusing on allegations of improper payments from CMRL to her company, Exalogic, for purportedly unfulfilled services. The ED’s actions follow a Kerala High Court directive permitting the agency to pursue its inquiry based on the Serious Fraud Investigation Office’s (SFIO) findings regarding financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic.
