Tension escalated outside the rented residence of veteran CPI-M leader Pinarayi Vijayan, former Kerala Chief Minister, following Enforcement Department raids. Angry party workers reportedly attacked vehicles carrying agency officials after the searches concluded. Three vehicles in the ED team convoy were damaged during the violence, with injuries sustained by central security personnel, drivers, and some police officials amid the chaos.
Eyewitnesses revealed that CPI-M workers and sympathizers gathered near the residence intercepted the convoy as the ED officials were departing post-raid. Protesters allegedly used sticks and stones to break the vehicles’ windowpanes, while police initially remained passive. One of the drivers with the ED team suffered eye injuries from broken glass during the attack, and another driver was also hurt in the incident.
Despite the assault, the ED officials managed to leave the scene and proceeded to the local police station for statement recording. Subsequently, the police took action to apprehend the protesters involved in the violence. Several CPI-M workers reportedly sought refuge in a nearby party office to avoid arrest, leading to police surrounding the office as part of their crackdown.
The attack unfolded in the presence of senior CPI-M leaders gathered outside the residence during the ED raid. The incident sparked high drama in the state capital, heightening political tensions related to the ongoing Enforcement Directorate probe into the alleged CMRL-Exalogic financial transactions case. The violence also raised concerns about the police response, with reports indicating a delay in intervention as the vehicles were being vandalized.
