Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram/Kannur/Kozhikode, May 27: Former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday strongly reacted after Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials concluded extensive searches at properties linked to him and his family, alleging that central agencies were being misused for political targeting.
The searches were carried out a day after the Kerala High Court lifted a stay on the ED investigation in the CMRL–Exalogic case involving the IT firm of Veena Vijayan, his daughter. Officials conducted raids for nearly seven hours across multiple locations, including Vijayan’s rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram, his home in Kannur, and the Kozhikode residence of Beypore MLA and former minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas, who is also Veena Vijayan’s husband.
Speaking to reporters after the searches concluded, Vijayan accused the ruling BJP-led government at the Centre of targeting political opponents through investigative agencies. He also claimed that the CPI(M) would collectively face the situation with unity.
He remarked that some political opponents, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, might welcome the developments, referring to earlier criticism demanding action against him. Vijayan said the opposition parties had adopted selective positions on such investigations, but asserted that his party would not be intimidated.
“Our party has always stood united in such situations, and today too our comrades have proved it,” he said, adding that he had “much more to say” but chose to limit his comments for the moment.
In Kannur, large groups of CPI(M) workers gathered outside Vijayan’s residence from early morning, raising slogans against the ED and the central government. After the searches ended, party leaders including M. V. Jayarajan informed supporters that no incriminating material had been found, leading to celebrations among cadres.
During the operation, ED officials reportedly briefed local political representatives, including CPI(M) leaders K. K. Ragesh and Elamaram Kareem, before leaving the premises.
However, the situation turned tense in several locations as protests escalated. In Thiruvananthapuram, some protesters allegedly threw objects at security personnel guarding the premises, while in Kannur, vehicles carrying ED officials were reportedly damaged by agitated supporters as they exited the area.
In Kozhikode, police faced difficulties escorting officials safely amid continuing demonstrations outside the residence of Mohammed Riyas. His legal team accused the agency of procedural violations, alleging that elderly family members were confined during the searches.
Riyas defended his wife Veena Vijayan, stating that her business dealings were lawful and that she had fully cooperated with the investigation. He added that they would not yield to what he described as intimidation.
The ED has not yet issued a detailed public statement on the outcome of the searches.