Around 10 premises across Kerala were searched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at the residence of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the ongoing Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) money laundering investigation.

According to officials, around 10 premises across Kerala were searched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). These included Vijayan’s rented accommodation in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, PTI reported.

Kerala HC dismisses CMRL petition
Earlier, the Kerala High Court dismissed a petition filed by CMRL seeking to quash ED proceedings in the ongoing bribery and money laundering investigation, Live Law reported.

After the ruling, counsel for CMRL sought a two-week extension of the interim protection order that had prevented the summoning of company officials. The court declined the request.

The court said, “I’m not really inclined. I don’t think it should be done. Even otherwise, I feel that without a further notice, they’ll not be able to do anything. So when a further notice comes, you are always free to.”

The petition was filed by senior officials of CMRL, including members of its top management, seeking to quash the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and stall summons issued by the ED.

What is the CMRL money laundering case?
The case involves allegations that CMRL made alleged illegal payments to Exalogic Solutions, a company linked to the family of former Pinarayi Vijayan, along with wider charges of bribery and money laundering.

The ED initiated proceedings under the PMLA and the investigation remains ongoing.

How is Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter involved?
While Vijayan is not directly named as an accused, the case has drawn attention due to allegations of questionable payments made by CMRL to Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd, an IT firm reportedly associated with his daughter, Veena Thaikkandiyil, as per PTI.

ED raids in Chennai and Madurai
Separately, the ED also conducted searches on Tuesday at five locations in Madurai and Chennai in a major narcotics-linked money laundering probe. The case involves an alleged drug trafficking network accused of smuggling large quantities of contraband, including 99 kg of hashish and 37.5 kg of methamphetamine (“ice”) through sea routes to Sri Lanka.

Officials said the syndicate, allegedly led by John Britto and associates, came under investigation following complaints by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Acting on Coast Guard inputs, the DRI had earlier seized 99 kg of hashish from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Mannar on March 5, 2024. They arrested three individuals allegedly transporting the consignment on Britto’s instructions.