Protests Erupt in Kerala Following ED Raids Linked to Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Protests Against ED Raids in Kerala

A significant number of CPI(M) supporters took to the streets across Kerala to protest against Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids connected to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter, which are related to an alleged bribery case. During the protests, a group of party activists attacked a vehicle carrying ED officials in Thiruvananthapuram, attempting to leave after hours of searches. The CPI(M) members obstructed the ED vehicle, smashing its windshield and chanting slogans against the agency. Protests and police actions persisted throughout the morning in the capital, with law enforcement and central security personnel struggling to maintain order. The vehicle also contained female officers who were targeted during the unrest.

Details of the Raids and Subsequent Unrest

Following ED operations at ten locations in Kerala, including Vijayan's current residence in Thiruvananthapuram, his ancestral home in Kannur, and the residence of his son-in-law and former minister Mohammad Riyas in Kozhikode, protests erupted. After the searches commenced early in the morning, Vijayan and his family remained inside their home while hundreds of CPI(M) supporters gathered outside to demonstrate against the central agency. During the chaos, some protesters reportedly threw plastic bottles, helmets, and stones at the security personnel stationed at the site. Senior CPI(M) leaders later intervened to calm the situation and persuaded the activists to withdraw from violent actions.

Background of the ED's Actions

The ED's actions are linked to allegations that Kochi Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) made payments of ₹1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions, owned by Vijayan's daughter T. Veena, without any services rendered between 2018 and 2019. These raids occurred just a day after the Kerala High Court dismissed a petition from CMRL seeking to annul the ED's proceedings. CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby claimed that the ED's raids on the residences of Vijayan and others were "politically motivated" and described them as a "disgraceful attack." Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Baby asserted that the CPI(M) would demonstrate to the public that these raids were conducted for political reasons.