The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at properties linked to former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan as part of the ongoing Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) money laundering investigation.
According to officials, the raids were conducted at nearly 10 locations across Kerala under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). One of the premises searched included Vijayan’s rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram.
The latest action comes shortly after the Kerala High Court dismissed a petition filed by CMRL officials seeking to quash ED proceedings linked to the case. The company had also requested continued interim protection against summons issued by the central agency, but the court declined the plea.
Kerala High Court Refuses Relief to CMRL Officials
Senior executives of Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited had approached the Kerala High Court to challenge the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) registered by the ED. They also sought to halt further questioning by investigators.
However, the court refused to extend interim protection, allowing the investigation to proceed. The ruling is being viewed as a significant development in the high-profile financial probe.
What Is the CMRL Money Laundering Case?
The case centres on allegations that CMRL made suspicious payments to Exalogic Solutions, a company reportedly linked to members of Vijayan’s family.
Investigators are examining whether the transactions involved illegal financial benefits, bribery, or laundering of funds. The ED launched its probe under the PMLA after reviewing financial records and related complaints tied to the alleged payments.
Officials have not yet released details of the material seized during Wednesday’s searches.
Political Reactions Expected to Intensify
The raids are likely to trigger fresh political confrontation in Kerala, with opposition parties expected to target the ruling establishment over corruption allegations.
Meanwhile, supporters of Vijayan and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) may describe the ED action as politically motivated, a charge frequently raised by opposition leaders across India in cases involving central agencies.
The ED has not issued an official statement on the next phase of the investigation.
