What’s Behind the ED Raids on Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence?

The Enforcement Directorate has launched an investigation into former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, conducting searches at his residence and other locations. This probe is linked to allegations involving his daughter, T Veena, and the private company Cochin Minerals And Rutile Ltd (CMRL). The ED's actions follow a complaint from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office regarding questionable transactions. As the investigation unfolds, Vijayan has denied the allegations, claiming they are aimed at tarnishing his reputation. This development comes after his party's recent electoral defeat, where he was unseated from power.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 27, 2026, 10:29 IST

ED Investigates Pinarayi Vijayan in Money Laundering Case

Thiruvananthapuram: On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed searches at the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several other locations as part of an investigation linked to his daughter in the CMRL money laundering case, according to officials.

The operation involved a total of ten locations across the state, including Vijayan's rental home in the capital, a site in Kannur, and residences of key individuals associated with Cochin Minerals And Rutile Ltd (CMRL), a private company, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The investigation is focused on Vijayan's daughter, T Veena, as it is alleged that CMRL made an unlawful payment of ₹1.72 crore to her company, Exalogic Solutions, between 2017 and 2020, despite no services being rendered.

On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court rejected a writ petition from CMRL aimed at halting the ED's investigation, thereby permitting the agency to proceed.

The ED initiated the PMLA case in 2024.

Vijayan has previously dismissed the allegations against his daughter, claiming they are attempts to damage his reputation.

Recently, the CPI(M) veteran lost his position after the Congress-led UDF secured victory in the Kerala Assembly elections last month.

Having served two terms as Chief Minister (2016-2026), he has now been nominated by his party to lead the opposition in the Kerala Assembly.

The ED's investigation is a result of a complaint from the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which is part of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

The SFIO's inquiry was prompted after the interim board for the Income Tax Department raised concerns regarding the validity of certain transactions conducted by CMRL.

While CMRL had a contract with Veena's IT firm for consultancy and software support, it is alleged that payments were made monthly despite no services being provided, attributed to her connection with a prominent figure.