ED top brass in Kochi for high-level review as HC set to deliver CMRL appeal verdict today

Kochi, Kerala:The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is scheduled to convene a high-level meeting in Kochi on Friday to review the progress of several major investigations in Kerala, including the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL)-Exalogic case.

ED Director Rahul Navin arrived in Kochi on Thursday ahead of the meeting, which will bring together senior agency officials, including a Special Director from Chennai, to assess ongoing probes and decide on future action.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of recent tensions surrounding the agency's investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic matter. CPM workers allegedly attacked ED officials during searches conducted in connection with the case.

Vehicles used by the investigation team were damaged, and officials reportedly faced harassment after visiting locations linked to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Pinarayi and Thiruvananthapuram. Several people were later arrested in connection with the incidents.

High Court verdict may influence next steps

The timing of the Kochi meeting is significant as a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court is expected to deliver its verdict on an appeal filed by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL).

The outcome is likely to play a role in shaping the agency's next moves in the Exalogic investigation.

Rahul Navin is expected to lead discussions on the future course of the probe after reviewing the legal position emerging from the court's decision.

The ED had carried out searches at 10 locations on May 27 as part of the investigation. The raids triggered protests by the CPM across Kerala.

Other major probes also under review

The agency's investigation is examining financial transactions that could potentially lead to the questioning of Veena Vijayan, daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Senior officials are also expected to review other prominent investigations in the state, including the Sabarimala case.

The Kochi meeting is likely to focus on the progress of these cases and the agency's strategy for pursuing them in the coming period.