Enforcement Directorate officials raided 12 locations [1] linked to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on May 27, 2026 [2].
The searches target alleged money laundering and a kick-back scheme involving Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a firm owned by Vijayan's daughter, T. Veena.
Officials conducted the searches at residences in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala [1]. The probe focuses on monthly payments allegedly made by CMRL to Exalogic Solutions, which investigators believe were part of a larger financial irregularity. The investigation also involves Vijayan's son-in-law, P. A. Mohamed Riya.
Following the raids, a vehicle carrying ED officials was attacked [2]. This incident occurred as agents were departing the premises in Thiruvananthapuram.
Leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) denounced the action. A CPI(M) leader said, "The raids are politically motivated" [3].
The agency is examining documents and digital evidence to trace the flow of funds between the government-backed rail project and the private firm. The scale of the operation, spanning 12 distinct sites [1], indicates a wide-reaching effort to secure evidence regarding the alleged pay-offs.
“"The raids are politically motivated"”
This investigation represents a significant legal escalation against a high-ranking former official in Kerala. By targeting the financial links between a public infrastructure project like the Chennai Metro and a family-owned business, the ED is attempting to establish a direct line of corruption. The reaction from the CPI(M) suggests that this case will likely become a central point of political contention between the regional government and federal agencies.
