India
oi-Ashish Rana
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday widened its probe into the alleged Exalogic-CMRL financial transactions by conducting raids at properties linked to senior CPM leader and former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his son-in-law Mohammed Riyas across Kerala. The searches come amid an ongoing money laundering investigation tied to Exalogic Solutions and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), a case that has already triggered intense political confrontation in the state.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across Kerala linked to former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Mohammed Riyas, investigating alleged money laundering involving Exalogic Solutions and CMRL, following a High Court refusal to halt the probe into fund transfers to Veena Vijayan’s company.
ED Conducts Searches Across Multiple Locations
Officials of the Enforcement Directorate carried out raids at around 12 locations linked to the case, including properties in Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur and Kozhikode. According to reports, ED teams searched the rented residence of Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, where his daughter Veena Vijayan was also reportedly present during the operation.
Simultaneously, searches were conducted at the residence of Mohammed Riyas in Kottooli, Kozhikode, as investigators continued to examine alleged financial links connected to the controversial transactions under scrutiny.
Kerala High Court Refuses To Halt ED Probe
The latest raids were conducted a day after the Kerala High Court declined to quash the Enforcement Directorate investigation in the money laundering case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The court’s decision has effectively allowed the central agency to continue its probe into the alleged financial dealings between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, the IT company owned by Veena Vijayan.
What Is The Exalogic-CMRL Case?
The ED investigation revolves around allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited transferred substantial amounts of money to Exalogic Solutions through allegedly illegal transactions. Investigators are probing whether the payments involved bribery and laundering of funds.
The controversy first surfaced after scrutiny of CMRL’s financial dealings prompted separate investigations by central agencies. Since then, the issue has emerged as a major political flashpoint in Kerala, with opposition parties repeatedly targeting the CPM leadership over the allegations.
Political Heat Intensifies In Kerala
The expanding ED probe has further intensified the political atmosphere in Kerala, especially as the case involves individuals closely linked to the state’s top political leadership. The CPM has earlier criticised the investigation, while opposition parties have continued to demand accountability over the alleged transactions involving Exalogic Solutions and CMRL.
