ED Officials Attacked by CPI(M) Supporters After Raids on Ex-Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s Residence

In a significant development in Kerala, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials conducting a raid at the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan faced violent resistance from alleged supporters of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). The incident transpired on Wednesday in Thiruvananthapuram, following a lengthy seven-hour search related to an ongoing money-laundering investigation.

The ED’s actions are part of a broader inquiry into possible financial misconduct involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited, a private mining entity. The focus of the investigation is a transaction where the company reportedly paid approximately Rs 1.7 crore to a now-defunct IT firm, Exalogic Solutions, managed by Vijayan’s daughter, T Veena, during the period from 2017 to 2021. Allegations suggest that these payments were made without any verifiable services rendered in exchange.

On the day of the raid, the central agency executed searches at twelve different locations across the state, including the residences of Vijayan’s family members and the offices associated with Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited. Among those targeted were the homes of T Veena and her husband, former minister PA Muhammad Riyas, situated in Kozhikode. The ED’s inquiry follows a previous contract established in 2017 between Exalogic Solutions and the mining company, aimed at providing software and marketing services for the latter.

As the ED officials were exiting Vijayan’s residence post-raid, they encountered a hostile gathering of CPI(M) workers who allegedly attacked their vehicles and obstructed their departure. This attack highlights the escalating tensions between political factions in Kerala, particularly as the ED intensifies its scrutiny of prominent political figures amidst rising allegations of corruption.

The incident has sparked significant outrage and debate across the political spectrum, prompting leaders from various parties to weigh in. While CPI(M) members have condemned the ED’s actions as politically motivated, opposition parties are calling for accountability and transparency in the ongoing investigations. The political fallout from this raid and the subsequent attack may have lasting implications on Kerala’s political landscape, particularly as the state gears up for future elections.

Source: scroll.in