ED Conducts Raids in Pinarayi Vijayan CMRL Pay-Off Case

Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday carried out raids at properties linked to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the alleged CMRL pay-off case. Officials searched multiple locations in Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram as part of a money laundering investigation involving the now-defunct IT firm Exalogic Solutions.

The ED conducted searches at 12 locations across Kerala, including the residence of former Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas in Kozhikode. Riyas is also the husband of Vijayan’s daughter T. Veena. Investigators also raided properties linked to promoters of Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).

ED officials, supported by personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), reached the locations early in the morning. Authorities cordoned off the premises, including Vijayan’s rented residence at Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. Reports said Vijayan and his family were present at the house during the operation.

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ED Raids Pinarayi Vijayan-Linked Properties in Kerala CMRL Probe

The raids took place only hours after the Kerala High Court allowed the ED to continue its investigation into the alleged political pay-off case. The court also rejected CMRL’s plea seeking cancellation of the investigation and directed company officials to cooperate with the agency.

The case revolves around allegations that Exalogic Solutions received monthly payments from CMRL between 2017 and 2021 without providing significant services in return. Investigators suspect the transactions may have involved political favours and possible money laundering activities. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, which owns a 14% stake in CMRL, has also come under attention during the investigation.

Both Pinarayi Vijayan and T. Veena have repeatedly denied all allegations linked to the case. They have maintained that Exalogic’s agreement with CMRL was legal and transparent. According to them, all financial transactions took place through proper banking channels and the company regularly filed taxes and regulatory documents.

The controversy first gained attention after observations made in 2023 by the Interim Board for Settlement under the Central Board of Taxes. The board reportedly raised concerns over payments recorded by CMRL to several individuals and entities, including Exalogic Solutions. The case later triggered investigations by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office and the ED, making it one of Kerala’s most politically sensitive financial probes.

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