ED Files FIR After Attack on Officials During Kerala Raids in CMRL–Exalogic Case

Thiruvananthapuram, May 2028 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the attack on its officials during raids in Kerala linked to the controversial CMRL–Exalogic monthly payoff case, triggering a fresh legal and political storm in the state capital.

According to officials, the Kerala Police registered the case at the Museum Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram based on a complaint filed by an ED Assistant Director. The FIR has been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The complaint states that ED officials, personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and accompanying Kerala Police officers were attacked by a large mob outside the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the state capital after the completion of search operations.

Police have already recorded the arrest of six CPI-M workers, while another activist has been taken into custody for questioning. Authorities said more arrests are likely as investigations progress.

According to the FIR, around 300 individuals were part of the violent gathering, and efforts are underway to identify all those involved. The attackers allegedly used sticks, stones, and bricks to target ED personnel and damage official vehicles as the team was exiting the premises after concluding searches.

The raids were part of an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, an IT firm owned by Veena Vijayan, daughter of the former Chief Minister.

Officials confirmed that three ED vehicles were damaged during the attack. Several personnel sustained injuries, including one officer who suffered injuries to his hand, while a driver was seriously hurt after being struck by a brick.

The violence erupted near Bakery Junction when the ED team was leaving the residence after hours of questioning and documentation. Security personnel reportedly struggled to control the crowd as tensions escalated outside the premises.

Following the incident, the ED team proceeded directly to the Thampanoor police station and submitted a detailed complaint describing the sequence of events. Based on this, the Museum Police registered the FIR and launched a large-scale investigation.

Police officials said CCTV footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence are being collected to identify all suspects involved in the attack. Authorities have also indicated that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for obstructing official duty and causing damage to public property.

The incident has intensified political tensions in Kerala, with the investigation into the CMRL–Exalogic case continuing under close national scrutiny.