The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the CMRL corruption case. The raids, which spanned 10 locations across the state, including properties in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, have triggered a major political confrontation in Kerala.
Money Laundering Probe Intensifies
The ED's action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) follows a crucial ruling by the Kerala High Court that gave fresh impetus to the investigation. The probe is focused on an alleged payment pipeline of ₹1.72 crore, which investigators claim was routed from the private firm CMRL to Exalogic Solutions, an IT company directly linked to the family of the veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader.
Alleged Financial Irregularities
According to ED sources, the transactions are suspected to be illegal payouts made in exchange for undue favours during Vijayan's tenure as Chief Minister. The agency is examining documents and digital evidence seized during the raids to trace the flow of funds and identify all beneficiaries.
The coordinated searches have intensified the political heat in Kerala, with the ruling CPI(M) accusing the central government of misusing investigative agencies to target opposition leaders. Meanwhile, the opposition Congress and BJP have demanded a thorough investigation and called for Vijayan's accountability.
The ED has not yet issued an official statement on the outcome of the raids, but sources indicate that further questioning of key individuals is likely in the coming days. The case is expected to dominate the political discourse in the state as the investigation progresses.
