Malappuram: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday morning carried out simultaneous raids at the residence and business establishments of former legislator P.V. Anvar in Malappuram, intensifying its investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to a ₹12 crore loan from the Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC).
Teams from Chennai, Kochi and Kozhikode launched the searches around 6.30 a.m., targeting Anvar’s house in Othayi, his ‘Silsila’ amusement park in Manjeri, and premises of close associates. Heavy police deployment accompanied the operations.
Investigators allege that Anvar, a two time MLA who later joined the Trinamool Congress, secured multiple loans using documents of a single property, aided by political influence during his proximity to the ruling LDF leadership. The loan, taken jointly with an aide in 2015, has since ballooned to about ₹22 crore with interest, leaving KFC facing major losses.
The ED action follows earlier vigilance raids at the amusement park after complaints of suspicious transactions. Officials said the case crossed the ₹5 crore threshold for central investigation, prompting the agency’s intervention. Documents, digital records and financial dealings are now under scrutiny.
Anvar, who quit his Nilambur Assembly seat earlier this year after breaking with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, briefly aligned with the Congress led UDF before contesting independently. He finished a distant third in the polls, with the Congress candidate winning comfortably.
Friday’s raids come as Anvar was reportedly preparing for talks with the UDF on seat sharing ahead of the 11 December local body elections.
(Inputs from IANS)