Thiruvananthapuram/Kannur: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted extensive searches at multiple locations linked to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his son-in-law, former minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas. The high-profile raids, connected to the ongoing CMRL-Exalogic money laundering case, triggered widespread political tension and violent protests by CPI(M) workers across the state.
ED Vehicles Vandalized in Thiruvananthapuram; Police Resort to Lathi-Charge
Massive tension erupted in Thiruvananthapuram as ED officials wrapped up their investigation at Pinarayi Vijayan’s rented residence. A large group of CPI(M) party workers surrounded the central agency’s convoy and launched a violent attack.
- Vehicle Damage: Windows and windscreens of all three ED vehicles were completely shattered by the protestors.
- Police Action: As party workers attempted to breach the security perimeter and storm into the former Chief Minister’s residence, the police resorted to a lathi-charge to control the crowd and disperse the mob.
Raids Conclude in Kannur and Kozhikode: “No Documents Found,” Says Mahazar
Simultaneous searches were conducted at Pinarayi Vijayan’s family home in Pandalyamukku, Kannur, and P.A. Mohamed Riyas’s residence in Kozhikode. The raids, which began at around 8:30 AM, came a day after the Kerala High Court dismissed a petition seeking to quash the ED proceedings.
According to the official mahazar (seizure memo) prepared by the ED officials after concluding the operation, no incriminating documents related to the money laundering case were found or seized from the Kannur residence during the search.
CPI(M) Activists Block ED Officials; Leadership Intervenes
The situation remained volatile in Kannur as furious CPI(M) cadres blocked the exit routes, jeering and shouting slogans against the central agency. Due to the intense protests, the ED team found themselves trapped inside the premises.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the federal officers reportedly contacted local CPI(M) leadership to ensure a safe passage. Following this, senior CPI(M) leader M.V. Jayarajan intervened, requesting the party workers to withdraw their blockade and allow the central team to leave.
