The Enforcement Directorate on May 27 carried out searches at 12 locations across Kerala, including the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the CMRL case.
The search operation was conducted under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and covered premises associated with individuals and entities connected to the investigation. Pinarayi Vijayan’s house was among the locations searched, along with properties linked to others who are under the agency’s scrutiny.
The probe is related to allegations involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), where investigators are examining suspected financial transactions and the movement of funds. The case is connected to allegations that certain payments were made without corresponding services being provided, an issue that has been under investigation by multiple agencies.
According to reports, the ED action followed information and material gathered during previous investigations and related proceedings. Officials are examining financial records, documents and transaction details to determine whether any money laundering offences were involved.
Political reactions also emerged following the raids, with opposition parties and ruling alliance members responding differently to the ED action. While critics called for a detailed investigation into the allegations, others questioned the timing and motive behind the searches.
The development attracted attention because of Pinarayi Vijayan’s political significance in Kerala and the sensitivity surrounding the case. However, the Enforcement Directorate has not publicly disclosed specific findings from the searches or clarified whether any materials were seized during the operation.
