ED Raid on Pinarayi Vijayan Residence Over CMRL–Exalogic Case Sparks Major Political Row in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, May 2026: Senior CPI(M) Politburo member and former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan came under the Enforcement Directorate (ED) scanner on Wednesday after central agency teams reached his residence in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with the high-profile CMRL–Exalogic monthly payment case.

The ED action comes as part of a wider investigation into alleged financial transactions between the mining company CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, an IT firm owned by Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Vijayan. While Vijayan has not been questioned so far, officials indicated that his statement could be recorded in the coming days as the probe expands.

The coordinated operation began early in the morning around 6 a.m., just a day after the Kerala High Court allowed the ED to proceed with its investigation. Following the court’s order, ED teams conducted simultaneous searches at around 10 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 offices of CMRL and premises linked to senior company officials, including its Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha. Investigators are examining digital devices, financial records, invoices, and transaction details to verify the nature of alleged monthly payments made to Exalogic Solutions.

The ED also visited the residence of CPI(M) legislator P.A. Mohammed Riyas in Beypore, who is Veena Vijayan’s husband, as part of the broader probe into the alleged financial network.

According to the agency, the investigation is based on allegations that Exalogic Solutions received substantial monthly payments from CMRL without providing commensurate services. Earlier findings by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and Income Tax authorities had flagged these transactions as suspicious, describing them as “monthly retainers” that required deeper scrutiny.

On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court dismissed petitions filed by CMRL and its officials seeking to quash the ED proceedings. The court noted that there were prima facie indications of money laundering and refused to interfere with the investigation, effectively clearing the way for the raids and questioning carried out on Wednesday.

The development has significantly escalated political tensions in the state, with the CPI(M) maintaining that the case is politically motivated. However, the ED’s move to search the residence of a senior Politburo leader and former Chief Minister marks one of the most high-profile enforcement actions in Kerala in recent years.

Officials also said they are examining whether the alleged transactions involve violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), along with possible breaches of tax and foreign exchange regulations.

Further summons and detailed questioning of individuals connected to the case are expected as the investigation progresses in the coming days, indicating a widening scope of the probe.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)