Thiruvananthapuram, May 27: Former Kerala Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan has come under scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). On Wednesday, ED officials conducted a raid at Vijayan’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram as part of an investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payment case.
According to information from the ED, simultaneous raids are being conducted at ten locations related to this matter. The agency has already recorded a statement from Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan, whose IT company, Exalogic Solutions, is at the center of the controversy.
While Pinarayi Vijayan has not yet been questioned, indications suggest that the agency may seek his statement as the investigation progresses. The operation commenced at 6 AM on Wednesday, just a day after the Kerala High Court permitted the ED to continue its investigation into the alleged financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic.
The ED teams conducted searches at ten locations across Kerala, including Vijayan’s rented residence near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, where Veena Vijayan also resides. Searches were also carried out at the CMRL office and premises associated with senior company officials. Investigators are reportedly examining digital devices, financial documents, and transaction records related to the alleged monthly payments.
The ED team also visited the home of CPI(M) MLA P.A. Mohammed Riyas in Beypore for questioning. Riyas is Veena Vijayan’s husband. The ED’s investigation was initiated based on allegations that Exalogic Solutions received substantial payments from the mining company CMRL without providing any legitimate services.
Previously, reports from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office and actions by the Income Tax Department had pointed to suspicious financial transactions, described as monthly retainers. On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court dismissed petitions from CMRL and its officials seeking to quash the ED investigation.
The court noted that there are indications of money laundering and denied any interference in the agency’s investigation. This paved the way for Wednesday’s raids and questioning.
This investigation is considered one of the largest against a senior CPI(M) leader in recent years. The Left Front has consistently labeled this case as a political vendetta, but the ED’s raid at the former Chief Minister‘s residence has intensified political activity in Kerala.
In the coming days, several key individuals associated with the case are likely to receive summons and be questioned.
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