ED searches premises linked to ex-Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in money laundering probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at multiple locations in Kerala, including premises linked to former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).

Officials said around 10 premises were searched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), including Vijayan’s rented accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram, according to PTI.

The searches are part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities linked to CMRL and associated entities. The investigation remains underway.

Kerala High Court declines relief to CMRL

In a related development, the Kerala High Court dismissed a petition filed by CMRL seeking to quash Enforcement Directorate proceedings in the case, Live Law reported.

Following the ruling, CMRL’s counsel requested a two-week extension of an interim protection order that had temporarily restrained authorities from issuing summons to company officials. The court refused the request.

“I’m not really inclined. I don’t think it should be done,” the court observed, adding that fresh notice from the agency would allow the petitioners to respond at the appropriate stage.

The petition had been filed by senior CMRL officials challenging the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and seeking to halt summons issued by the ED.

Allegations in the CMRL case

The case centres on allegations that CMRL made unlawful payments to Exalogic Solutions, a company linked to the family of Pinarayi Vijayan, alongside broader accusations of bribery and money laundering.

The ED initiated proceedings under the PMLA, and officials say the investigation is continuing. Vijayan has not been formally named as an accused in the case.

The matter has also drawn attention due to allegations involving payments to Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, an IT firm reportedly associated with Vijayan’s daughter, Veena Thaikkandiyil, according to PTI.

Separate ED action in Tamil Nadu narcotics case

In a separate operation, the ED also conducted searches on Tuesday at five locations in Madurai and Chennai in a narcotics-linked money laundering probe.

The case relates to an alleged drug trafficking network accused of smuggling large quantities of narcotics, including 99 kg of hashish and 37.5 kg of methamphetamine (“ice”) via sea routes to Sri Lanka.

Officials said the syndicate, allegedly led by John Britto and associates, came under investigation following complaints by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Acting on inputs from the Coast Guard, the DRI had earlier seized 99 kg of hashish from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Mannar in March 2024 and arrested three people linked to the consignment.