Thiruvananthapuram, May 27, 2026: Tension gripped Kerala’s capital on Wednesday as Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials conducting searches in a money laundering case linked to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan came under attack. Protesters, identified as CPI(M) workers, allegedly blocked and vandalised an ED vehicle as the team was leaving Vijayan’s residence at Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram.
The incident occurred after the ED completed searches at around 10 locations across Kerala, including premises connected to Vijayan and his family members. The probe is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial transactions in the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) case, involving claims of payments to a firm linked to Vijayan’s daughter, T. Veena.
Sequence of the Attack
According to reports and visuals from the scene, a group of protesters gathered outside Vijayan’s residence and raised slogans against the ED action. As the team attempted to depart after the searches, protesters blocked the vehicle, pelted stones and bricks, and damaged its windshield and windows. Scuffles broke out between the crowd and security personnel, including CRPF members accompanying the ED team.
A police personnel sustained injuries during crowd control efforts. Multiple sources, including ED-linked reports, stated that no ED officials were injured, though some local accounts mentioned minor injuries. Women officials were reportedly present in the targeted vehicle. The ED team eventually reached its zonal office safely.
The ED has indicated it will file a police complaint regarding the attack on its officials while on duty.
Background of the Raids
The searches form part of a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) investigation stemming from earlier scrutiny by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and Income Tax authorities. The case involves allegations of payments (reportedly around ₹1.72–182 crore in different accounts) made by CMRL to a company associated with Veena Vijayan for services that were allegedly not provided.
The Kerala High Court had earlier permitted the ED to continue its probe. Raids were also conducted at other linked premises in the state.
Political Reactions
The incident has sharply polarised political responses:
CPI(M) and Pinarayi Vijayan: The party strongly condemned the raids, describing them as a “targeted attack” on a senior opposition leader by the BJP-led central government. CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby and other leaders alleged political vendetta and claimed a Congress-BJP nexus. Pinarayi Vijayan accused the BJP of misusing central agencies against opposition figures and took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, suggesting the timing of the action might give him “mental satisfaction.”
BJP: The party condemned the attack on ED officials as “shameful” and an assault on the rule of law. BJP leaders, including state and national spokespersons, accused the Left of shielding corruption and creating an atmosphere of lawlessness. They stated that violence against central investigating agencies would not be tolerated and framed the protests as an attempt to obstruct justice.
Other opposition voices, including AAP’s Arvind Kejkejriwal, criticised the ED action as selective targeting of regional parties.
Current Status and Implications
Police have reportedly arrested some individuals, including CPI(M) and DYFI workers, in connection with the violence. The situation remained tense in parts of Thiruvananthapuram through the day, with heightened security.
The episode underscores the deepening friction between Kerala’s ruling Left Front and the Centre over the use of central agencies in high-profile cases. It also raises questions about the safety of investigating officials and the fine line between legitimate protest and obstruction of law enforcement.
As investigations continue in the CMRL-linked case and legal proceedings around the attack unfold, Kerala’s political landscape appears set for further confrontation in the coming days.