Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence was searched by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) case. The searches were carried out at multiple locations across Kerala, including Vijayan’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram and premises associated with his family members and close associates. Officials said the raids were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED is reportedly investigating alleged financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, a company linked to Vijayan’s daughter, T. Veena. According to investigators, payments worth around ₹1.72 crore were made to the company during 2018–2019. The agency is examining whether the transactions were genuine business payments or part of suspected irregular financial dealings.

Sources familiar with the probe said ED teams collected documents, digital records, and financial data during the searches. However, officials have not yet disclosed whether any cash, valuables, or incriminating evidence was recovered. The raids come shortly after the Kerala High Court declined to interfere with the ED investigation, allowing the agency to continue its proceedings in the matter.

Political reactions quickly followed the development. Opposition parties in Kerala demanded a transparent investigation and accused the previous government of protecting influential individuals. Meanwhile, leaders from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) described the action as politically motivated and alleged misuse of central agencies against opposition leaders. Pinarayi Vijayan, one of Kerala’s most prominent political figures, has not issued a detailed public statement on the raids so far. His supporters maintain that the allegations are baseless and politically driven.

Legal experts believe the investigation may now move toward a deeper examination of company records, tax filings, and communication trails related to the alleged transactions. The ED is expected to question several individuals connected to the case in the coming weeks. The CMRL case has already become a major political issue in Kerala, with the latest raids likely to intensify the debate ahead of future political developments in the state.