Politics – ED Searches Trigger Political Confrontation and Protests Across Kerala
Politics – Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday strongly criticised the Central government after the Enforcement Directorate completed extensive searches at properties associated with him and members of his family. The senior CPI-M leader alleged that central agencies were being used to pressure opposition parties, while tensions rose in several parts of the state as party workers staged protests against the action.
The searches were conducted a day after the Kerala High Court removed the temporary stay on the ED inquiry linked to the CMRL-Exalogic case. The investigation involves Exalogic Solutions, an IT company connected to Veena Vijayan, daughter of Pinarayi Vijayan.
Vijayan Accuses Centre of Political Vendetta
Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Thiruvananthapuram after the operation ended, Vijayan said the BJP-led government was attempting to intimidate political rivals through investigative agencies. He also referred to criticism from opposition leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, over the handling of the case.
According to Vijayan, the CPI-M would continue to respond collectively to such developments and would not be weakened by pressure tactics. He maintained that party workers and leaders had shown unity during the episode and added that he had more to say on the matter at a later stage.
The search operations lasted nearly seven hours and covered multiple locations, including Vijayan’s rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram, his house in Kannur, and the Kozhikode residence of Beypore MLA and former minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas, who is married to Veena Vijayan.
Large Gatherings Outside Residences
In Kannur, CPI-M supporters assembled in large numbers outside Vijayan’s residence from the morning hours. Protesters raised slogans against the Enforcement Directorate and the Union government while senior party leaders monitored the situation closely.
Reports indicated that ED officials briefed CPI-M Kannur district secretary K. K. Ragesh and Rajya Sabha MP Elamaram Kareem Sivadasan before concluding the search process. Senior leaders P. Jayarajan and M. V. Jayarajan later visited the residence.
After the officials departed, M. V. Jayarajan informed party workers that the search had concluded without any major findings. His remarks were followed by celebrations among cadres gathered outside the house.
Tension Escalates During Protest
The situation in Thiruvananthapuram briefly turned tense during the searches. Some protesters allegedly threw empty bottles in the direction of central security personnel stationed outside the premises.
Later in the afternoon, when ED officers were leaving the residence, a group of demonstrators reportedly attacked one of the vehicles used by the officials. The windshield of the vehicle was damaged during the incident. Women officers were also said to be present in the convoy at the time.
Several CPI-M leaders, including state secretary M. V. Govindan, were present near the location during the protests. Police personnel deployed at the scene were criticised by observers for not intervening quickly when the vehicle was targeted.
Protests Spread to Kozhikode
Similar scenes unfolded in Kozhikode, where police officers faced difficulty escorting ED officials from the residence of Mohammed Riyas amid heavy demonstrations by party workers.
Riyas’s lawyer accused the agency of violating basic rights during the operation. The legal representative claimed that elderly members of the family faced unnecessary restrictions while the searches were underway.
Riyas later addressed reporters after returning home. He defended the business activities of his wife and stated that she had cooperated fully with investigators throughout the inquiry. He also insisted that all business transactions connected to the company were lawful and said the family would continue to face the investigation through legal means.
The developments have intensified the political atmosphere in Kerala, with both the ruling Left Democratic Front and opposition parties expected to continue exchanging sharp criticism over the investigation and the protests that followed.