CPI(M) supporters protest outside the residence of former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan as ED raid progresses, in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday
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NIRMAL HARINDRAN / THE HINDU
Violence erupted outside the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday afternoon after Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials concluded a raid and attempted to leave the premises.According to reports, CPI(M) workers who had gathered outside the residence blocked the vehicles carrying ED officials. Protesters allegedly pelted stones at the convoy and damaged vehicle windows, while police and CISF personnel struggled to bring the situation under control. Injured ED officials later lodged a formal complaint with the police.The CPI(M) strongly condemned the ED action, accusing the BJP-led Central Government of using investigative agencies for political vendetta against opposition parties. In a statement posted on X, the party alleged that agencies such as the ED, CBI and Income Tax Department are being misused to intimidate political opponents and suppress dissent.“The ED raid on the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Pinarayi Vijayan is yet another example of central agencies being weaponised for political vendetta. Leaders who challenge the BJP-led Union Government and resist Sangh Parivar politics are being selectively targeted through intimidation, media trials and investigations,” the statement said.Responding to the raids, Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the Congress for what he described as its silence on the issue. He alleged that the Congress appears to believe that investigative agencies are free to target any political party except itself. Vijayan also asserted that the raids would not damage his image and said the strong support shown by party workers outside his residence reflected the confidence the CPI(M) cadre continues to place in him.The CPI(M) further accused the Congress-led UDF in Kerala of remaining silent for political convenience instead of opposing what it termed as “central overreach” and an attack on democratic and federal principles.The ED officials on early morning raided the Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram residences of Pinarayi Vijayan in a case involving Cochin Minerals and Rutiles Ltd. The searches came a day after Kerala High Court dismissed a petition by CMRL seeking to quash the ED investigation.At the centre of the case is Exalogic, the now defunct firm owned by Vijayan’s daughter T.Veena, a former IT consultant. Investigators are examining allegations that Exalogic received substantial monthly payments from CMRL between 2017 and 2021 without providing corresponding services.CMRL allegedly transferred nearly Rs1.72 crore to Exalogic under the guise of “IT ad Marketing consultancy services”. The matter is also under investigation by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) agency under the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs tasked with probing complex financial fraud.The agency also conducted raids at the residence of Sasidharan Kartha, Managing Director, CMRL as well as the company’s office in Aluva.In all, the ED carried out operations at 12 locations including the residence of P.A.Mohammed Riyas, Veena’s husband and former Tourism Minister.Published on May 27, 2026
