John Brittas calls ED raid on Pinarayi Vijayan “political vendetta”

New Delhi: CPI(M) MP John Brittas on Wednesday accused central agencies of a “political vendetta” after Enforcement Directorate teams searched the Thiruvananthapuram residence of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the CMRL–Exalogic case.

Speaking to reporters outside Vijayan’s home, Brittas said the action was unsurprising and part of repeated scrutiny of the leader. “Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan has faced repeated scrutiny from central agencies. The people of Kerala are capable of understanding this political game,” he said, adding that allegations of collusion extended beyond the BJP to the Congress. He also cited the case of Arvind Kejriwal, saying agencies had acted against him with the cooperation of national parties.

Brittas questioned public perceptions about conviction rates, arguing that many investigations never reach court and that selective presentation of statistics distorts the truth. “if there are 1,000 cases, only about 100 may be taken forward to court, while the remaining 900 may remain in limbo,” he said.

The ED operation, which began at around 6am, followed a Kerala High Court order allowing the agency to continue its probe into alleged payments between CMRL and Exalogic. ED teams searched about 10 locations across Kerala, including Vijayan’s rented Bakery Junction residence in Thiruvananthapuram where his daughter Veena Vijayan lives. The ED has already recorded Veena Vijayan’s statement; Pinarayi Vijayan has not been questioned so far but may be summoned as the investigation continues.

Searches were also carried out at CMRL offices and premises linked to senior company officials, including managing director Sasidharan Kartha.

(Inputs from IANS)