Former Nilambur MLA PV Anvar on Saturday slammed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for conducting searches at his residence and business premises, calling the action “politically motivated” and part of a targeted campaign against him.

The Trinamool Congress leader, who quit the CPI(M)-backed Independent route earlier this year after falling out with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, claimed the probe revolves around a legitimate loan he availed from the Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC) in 2015.

“I had taken a loan of ₹9.5 crore. I’ve already repaid around ₹6 crore. There is absolutely no money laundering. This was a lawful loan, taken before I even became an MLA,” Anvar said, insisting that he had provided the ED with all necessary documents and clarifications.

He further alleged that the controversy over two loans being taken on the same property was a deliberate misinterpretation. 

“Many receive one-time settlement offers. Why was I alone denied? Clearly political reasons,” he said, hinting at an environment where ED probes have become routine for politicians across parties.

ED officials, however, maintained that the searches were part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in loans taken by Anvar and companies linked to him — including Malamkulam Constructions Pvt Ltd, Pee Vee Aar Developers, and Bis Manjeri LLP.

Investigators suspect fund diversion, benami holdings, and repeated use of the same collateral to secure multiple loans without proper KFC verification. 

The loans, estimated at ₹12 crore, have reportedly ballooned into NPAs with dues touching ₹22.30 crore, including accumulated interest. Officials seized documents, digital devices, and property papers. Further questioning of Anvar is expected.

Anvar, once a two-time CPI(M)-supported Independent MLA, dramatically severed ties with the Left earlier this year. Despite initially declaring he would stay away from the by-election, he contested after talks with the UDF broke down — only to finish a distant third, allowing the Congress to recapture Nilambur after nine years.