Thiruvananthapuram, August 12: The Kerala Police is expanding its special investigation team in response to an alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials at the residence of CPI(M) leader and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The incident occurred during an ED raid on May 27 at Vijayan’s rented home, where his daughter Veena Vijayan also resides.
This case is linked to transactions involving his IT company, Exalogic, and the Kochi-based mining firm CMRL.
Since late May, 25 protesters have been jailed, with one individual still incarcerated and another currently at large.
Sources familiar with the case indicate that the investigation team is preparing to question senior party leaders, including CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan and others present at the scene.
Given the seriousness of the case and the potential for a larger conspiracy behind the attack, the investigation team has been bolstered by the inclusion of sub-inspectors and civil police officers.
This decision comes as investigators focus on the alleged planning and discussions that occurred prior to the incident.
Next week, notices are expected to be issued for Govindan, Thiruvananthapuram district secretary V. Joy, and former minister V. Shivan Kutty to appear for questioning.
The aim of this inquiry is to determine whether the attack on ED officials was the result of premeditated political interference or if it was incited by external forces.
Police are particularly investigating whether the attack was part of a larger conspiracy and if there were organized efforts to gather people or influence the direction of the ED officials’ visit.
Investigators are relying heavily on cyber forensic analysis of mobile phones and call records of senior CPI(M) leaders.
These findings could be crucial in establishing the sequence of events and identifying discussions that took place prior to the alleged attack.
A detailed examination of conversations before and during the incident is underway.
It is anticipated that the investigation will not only focus on those present at the scene but will also explore whether directives or orders were issued from elsewhere.
The expansion of the team signals that police are treating this matter with greater seriousness than a mere altercation between political activists and investigative officials.
Now, one of the main aspects of the investigation includes the possibility of a coordinated effort.
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