The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the ongoing money laundering investigations into Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).
According to officials, around 10 premises were searched across Kerala under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). These include Vijayan’s rented residences in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, PTI reported.
Kerala HC rejects CMRL’s petition
Earlier, the Kerala High Court dismissed the petition filed by CMRL seeking quashing of ED action in the ongoing bribery and money laundering investigation, Live Law reported.
Following the ruling, CMRL’s attorney sought a two-week extension of the temporary protective order that prevented the subpoena of company officials. The court rejected the request.
“I’m really not inclined. I don’t think it should be done. And even otherwise, I feel that without further notice, they won’t be able to do anything. So when further notice comes, you’re always free to do it,” the court said.
The petition was filed by senior officials of CMRL, including members of its senior management, seeking to quash the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and stall summonses issued by the CEO.
What is the CMRL money laundering case?
The case involves allegations that CMRL made alleged illegal payments to Exalogic Solutions, a company linked to the family of former Pinarayi Vijayan, along with broader accusations of bribery and money laundering.
The CEO has initiated proceedings under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the investigation is ongoing.
How is Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter involved?
While Vijayan has not been directly named as an accused, the case has drawn attention due to allegations of questionable payments made by CMRL to Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, an IT company said to be linked to his daughter, Veena Thaikkandiyil, according to PTI.
ED raids in Chennai and Madurai
Separately, the ED also conducted searches on Tuesday at five locations in Madurai and Chennai in a major drug-related money laundering investigation. The case concerns an alleged drug trafficking network accused of smuggling large quantities of contraband, including 99 kg of cannabis and 37.5 kg of methamphetamine (“ice”) via sea routes to Sri Lanka.
The syndicate, allegedly led by John Brito and his associates, was investigated following complaints from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), officials said. Based on Coast Guard inputs, DRI had earlier seized 99 kg of cannabis from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Mannar on March 5, 2024. It arrested three individuals allegedly transporting the consignment on Brito’s instructions.
