Thiruvananthapuram: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at properties linked to former Kerala Chief Minister and current Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan and his son-in-law, former minister P A Mohammed Riyas, in connection with the Exalogic-CMRL money laundering case.

The searches are part of the ED’s widening probe into alleged illegal financial transactions involving Exalogic Solutions and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL). Officials reportedly conducted raids at 12 locations connected to the case.

According to reports, ED teams also searched the rented residence of Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, where he and his daughter Veena Vijayan were believed to be present. Simultaneous raids were carried out at Mohammed Riyas’ residence in Kottooli, Kozhikode.

Shaun George makes strong political claims over case

Reacting to the ED action and ongoing investigation, BJP leader Shaun George made strong remarks alleging serious legal consequences for those named in the case.

“There is no doubt that they will go to jail in this matter—Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter will go to jail. For the past two years, attempts were made to obstruct it using financial power and authority. Yesterday, the Kerala High Court has overturned it, and further action will follow. We will proceed with legal battle. A chargesheet has been filed, and the prosecution proceedings of that chargesheet have been stayed. Against that order, a case will be filed in the Delhi High Court; we are following it up,” he said.

George further stated that the ED investigation is focused on allegations of financial irregularities and said the agency has now begun formal inquiry into the matter.

“At present, there were allegations that financial irregularities had taken place. It is this allegation that the ED (Enforcement Directorate) is supposed to investigate, and that investigation has now begun,” he added.

ED expands probe into Exalogic and CMRL transactions

The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation centres on allegations of bribery and money laundering involving transactions between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, an IT firm owned by Veena Vijayan.

Investigators are examining claims that CMRL allegedly transferred significant sums of money to Exalogic Solutions. 

Kerala High Court ruling adds to legal developments

The development came a day after the Kerala High Court declined to quash the ED’s investigation in the money laundering case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Authorities are expected to proceed further with evidence collection and financial scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation.

Exalogic-CMRL case 

The Exalogic-CMRL controversy relates to allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering linked to financial dealings between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions.

The ED is investigating claims that large-scale financial transfers were made from CMRL to Exalogic Solutions, which have become the centre of a politically sensitive investigation in Kerala.