CPIM Workers Attack ED Officials In Kerala After Raid At Pinarayi Vijayan's Places

Enforcement Directorate officials came under attack in Thiruvananthapuram after raids linked to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan triggered large protests by CPI(M) workers. Demonstrators allegedly targeted a vehicle carrying ED staff, damaging it during a tense day of searches in a money laundering probe involving Vijayan’s daughter’s company.

Officials stated that CPI(M) workers stopped the ED vehicle on the road and smashed the windshield with bricks and iron rods while shouting slogans against the agency. Security personnel reported that women officials were also inside the vehicle, and that the situation became difficult to manage as tempers rose.

ED raids and Pinarayi Vijayan case: locations, money trail and legal backdrop

The ED investigation centres on claims that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions, owned by Vijayan’s daughter T Veena, between 2018 and 2019. According to the agency, this money went out without any services being provided, forming the basis of suspected money laundering.

#WATCH | Keralam: Commotion outside the residence of former Chief Minister and present LoP Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, as CPI(M) workers attacked a vehicle of ED officials.

The workers are protesting against the central agency over its searches at 10 premises in… pic.twitter.com/fx7Y4xutLB

— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2026

Officials said ED teams searched around 10 locations across Kerala under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The list included Vijayan’s rented residence at Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, the ancestral house in Kannur and the Kozhikode home of Vijayan’s son-in-law and former minister Mohammed Riyas. Other associated premises also came under scrutiny.

Political protests over ED raids and Pinarayi Vijayan case

The raids sparked hours of unrest in the state capital, as large groups of CPI(M) workers poured onto main roads soon after the operations began in the morning. Demonstrators clashed with security forces, and the agitation spread to areas around Vijayan’s residence, drawing both local cadres and leaders.

During the protest, some agitators allegedly hurled plastic bottles, helmets and stones at security personnel positioned near the search locations. Police and central security forces struggled to regain control for several hours. Senior CPI(M) leaders finally intervened at the spot, urged restraint and convinced workers to withdraw from violent actions.

Political reactions to ED raids and Pinarayi Vijayan case

Throughout the searches, Vijayan and family members stayed inside the Thiruvananthapuram residence, while hundreds of CPI(M) supporters gathered outside the compound gate. After ED officials completed hours of examination at the rented house, Vijayan addressed reporters and framed the action as part of a wider political strategy.

Vijayan alleged that the ED searches at his premises formed one link in a countrywide campaign to target opposition leaders. The CPI(M) leader said such steps would not break his resolve or that of the party. “This is only the beginning. Nobody should think that such actions can frighten or weaken us,” he said.

Vijayan accused the BJP-led central government of using investigative agencies against political rivals since coming to power. Vijayan also alleged that the ED searches might bring “mental satisfaction” to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying Gandhi had repeatedly asked why Vijayan’s house had not been searched and why there had been no arrest.

Vijayan further claimed that several opposition leaders elsewhere were facing similar investigations by central agencies, while accusing the Congress of remaining silent when leaders from other parties came under ED scrutiny. The raids followed a Kerala High Court decision dismissing a petition by CMRL that sought to quash ED proceedings, keeping the political and legal battle active.