Thiruvananthapuram: The Enforcement Directorate raided former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s residences. Searches are being conducted at a rented house in Bakery Junction, Thiruvananthapuram, and at his residence in Kannur. A raid is also underway at the house of former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas in Kottuli. The raids are linked to the CMRL–Exalogic case.
The searches followed a High Court order allowing the ED to proceed with its investigation in the CMRL–Exalogic matter. Earlier, the CMRL had opposed summons issued to officials in connection with an ED probe into alleged irregularities in the Masappadi (Masappady) case; after hearing submissions by the company, the High Court cleared the way for further ED action. Searches related to the case are being conducted at around 12 locations across the state.
Sources said Pinarayi Vijayan was at his Thiruvananthapuram residence during the searches. The ED is expected to record statements from Pinarayi and his daughter Veena Vijayan, after which summonses may be issued requiring them to appear at the ED office in Kochi.
The Masappadi case — a subject of long public attention — concerns allegations against a company involved in black sand mining and environmental pollution. Income Tax authorities earlier found that the company had paid substantial sums to Kerala political figures; their probe alleged that former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan received the largest payments. The investigation also alleged that Veena Vijayan received payments totalling about ₹1.72 crore into her account and into an Exalogic account, despite providing no services; she has been named as an accused in the enquiry. The ED’s case had previously faced legal challenges, several of which were overturned by the High Court yesterday, enabling the agency to resume its actions.
(With inputs from PTI)