Kerala Politics Erupts After ED Raids Linked to CMRL Case
Brief By Newsbrief / 4:53 PM on 27 May 2026
A major political controversy has erupted in Kerala after protests broke out during raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged CMRL money laundering case. Tension escalated in Thiruvananthapuram when CPI(M) workers gathered outside locations linked to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former minister Mohammed Riyas.
According to reports, protesters raised slogans against ED officials and allegedly attacked agency vehicles with bricks and stones. Some vehicle windows were reportedly damaged during the unrest, forcing authorities to deploy heavy police security in the area. Demonstrators also attempted to block roads and stop the ED convoy, leading to clashes between police personnel and party workers.
The raids were carried out at multiple locations, including the chief minister’s residence area in Thiruvananthapuram, locations in Kannur, and Mohammed Riyas’ residence in Kozhikode. Officials said the search operations continued for nearly eight hours, during which several financial records and documents were examined.
The case is linked to allegations of financial irregularities involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL). Investigators claim the company showed fake expenditures amounting to crores of rupees. The probe also involves Exalogic Solutions Private Limited, a company reportedly associated with Veena Vijayan, daughter of Pinarayi Vijayan.
According to ED officials, Exalogic allegedly received around ₹2.78 crore from CMRL in the name of IT consultancy services. Another linked company reportedly provided a loan of nearly ₹50 lakh. The agency is now examining whether these transactions are connected to money laundering activities.
The matter intensified after the Kerala High Court rejected CMRL’s plea challenging the ED investigation on May 26, 2026. Following the court order, the ED accelerated its search operations, turning the issue into a major political flashpoint in the state.