Violence Gathers Outside Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence During ED Searches
Tensions escalated outside Pinarayi Vijayan's residence in Thiruvananthapuram as protesters clashed with security forces during Enforcement Directorate searches. Significant implications arise from ongoing legal and political action against alleged money laundering involving Vijayan's daughter.
Highlights
- •Protests and violence broke out outside Pinarayi Vijayan's home during ED raids.
- •CPI(M) supporters hurled items at security forces guarding the property in Bakery Junction, Thiruvananthapuram.
- •ED searches were conducted at premises associated with Cochin Minerals and alleged CMRL irregularities.
- •Searches under Prevention of Money Laundering Act involved multiple locations across Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Amid aggressive protests outside his residence, tensions flared as hundreds of CPI(M) supporters hurled stones, plastic bottles, and helmets at security forces guarding former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's rented home in Bakery Junction. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches inside the premises on Wednesday morning while Vijayan remained inside with his family.
According to reports, the gathering turned into violent clashes early in the day as protesters tried to breach the gate surrounding the property located at Bakery Junction. Senior CPI(M) leaders intervened to manage tensions and persuade workers to de-escalate the situation through dialogue. Television footage showed the chaotic scene with large numbers of CPI(M) supporters present, engaging in vocal protests against both the ED and the BJP-led central government.
Edutainment Searches and Related Allegations
Security was tight as armed central personnel guarded Vijayan's premises at Bakery Junction along with his family house in Kannur district. The searches stemmed from an alleged case involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd, which allegedly paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions, owned by Vijayan's daughter T Veena, over a two-year period without receiving services in return. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), searches were being conducted at around 10 premises across Kerala on Wednesday.
The ED action follows the dismissal of a plea by Cochin Minerals Limited (CMRL) seeking to quash ongoing ED proceedings. The high court's decision to dismiss this plea came the day before the raids took place, lending additional significance to these actions.
