ED Raids Ex-Kerala CM Pinarayi’s House in Money Laundering Case

The searches, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), covered 10 locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kannur and Bengaluru, with Central Armed Police Forces providing security. Officials said the premises included Vijayan’s residence at Bakery Junction, properties linked to his family members, and locations associated with Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL).

The probe pertains to allegations that CMRL made payments of ₹2.78 crore to a company owned by his daughter, Veena Vijayan, under the guise of consultancy services, and that loans were extended despite delays in repayment. The agency has registered the case based on a prosecution complaint filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).

Officials said documents related to investments and fixed deposits were recovered during the searches.

Tension prevailed outside Vijayan’s residence during the operation, with protesters gathering and allegedly obstructing vehicles of the agency. Officials said a vehicle carrying ED personnel was targeted and its windshield damaged. The agency said it would file a police complaint regarding the incident.

Reacting to the searches, CPM general secretary M.A. Baby termed the action “politically motivated” and alleged it was aimed at targeting opposition leaders. He was detained during a protest outside the agency’s office.

Vijayan also alleged that the searches were part of a targeted crackdown and said such actions would not weaken him or his party.

The action follows a decision of the Kerala High Court upholding initiation of proceedings under PMLA in the case.