Raid at ex-CM’s house: CPM workers face arrests after ED convoy attack; Pinarayi slams BJP, Congress

Thiruvananthapuram: ED raids linked to financial dealings between former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter’s firm and a sand mining company triggered attacks on central agency officials in the state capital and statewide protests by CPM leaders and workers on Wednesday. 

Seven CPM workers were taken into police custody following a tense two-hour standoff at a local party office in Thiruvananthapuram. The arrests are linked to an alleged attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and damage to vehicles after the raid at the rented residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Police said at least 10 accused have been identified using CCTV footage, media visuals, and social media clips. Four individuals were detained earlier, while the remaining three stepped out of the party office after prolonged negotiations between senior CPM leaders and Kerala Police officials.

During the standoff, CPM legislator V. Joy initially said police would not be allowed inside the party office under any circumstances. Rajya Sabha member John Brittas later led discussions with police. He said, “We will not shield anyone who has done wrong. Those involved can be arrested, even if it takes an hour or two. But there is no need to create a scene”.

Police reached the office after identifying that some suspects had taken shelter there following violence at Bakery Junction. The CPM has termed the probe a “politically motivated witch-hunt”, while police maintained that investigation and arrests are based on identified visual evidence from the incident.

ED convoy attacked after raid at Vijayan residence

The violence began after ED officials completed a search operation at Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence, which started at 7:00 am. As officials were leaving, CPM workers and supporters allegedly attacked the convoy with stones, bricks, and concrete blocks.

Three hired vehicles were damaged, with windshields, windows, and rear-view mirrors broken. One driver sustained injuries. The convoy had six officials on board, including a woman officer. Vehicles were also kicked, pelted with rotten eggs, and struck with fists and sticks.

The search was conducted in connection with the CMRL monthly payment case. The probe involves allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) paid ₹1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions, a firm owned by T. Veena, daughter of Pinarayi Vijayan, between 2018 and 2019 without any services being rendered.

The raids followed a Kerala High Court ruling on May 26, which dismissed CMRL’s plea to quash proceedings, stating that the ED is legally empowered to investigate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Vijayan calls action ‘targeted crackdown’, Centre vs state claims surface

After the officials left, Pinarayi Vijayan emerged from his residence, raising a clenched fist to supporters and describing the action as a “targeted crackdown”. He alleged that the BJP-led Centre has been using central agencies against opposition leaders since 2014.

“This is only a beginning. Nobody should harbour the illusion that such actions can intimidate or weaken us,” he told reporters. He also said the ED had attempted the raid earlier and described officials as courteous but acting on higher instructions.

He further criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, suggesting the searches might give him “mental satisfaction”, and said Gandhi had often questioned why no action had been taken against him.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar condemned the violence on social media, stating, “Violence is the last refuge of the corrupt”.

Responding to allegations that the raid was Congress-pushed due to its timing a day after the PM Modi–Kerala CM meeting, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said Kerala Police had no prior information about the raid as the ED used central security forces for the operation.