ED conducts fresh raids in Kerala over alleged CMRL payment irregularities

The Enforcement Directorate intensified its investigation into alleged irregularities related to CMRL payments on Tuesday with fresh raids in Kozhikode, escalating a case that has drawn scrutiny to the family of Kerala's chief minister.

The current operation marks a continuation of the agency's probe that began in late May, when ED teams conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations including Pinarayi Vijayan's then-rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram, his ancestral home in Kannur, and the residence of P.A. Mohammed Riyas, former Public Works Minister and husband of Vijayan's daughter Veena.

The investigation centers on alleged financial transactions connected to CMRL, though detailed specifics regarding the nature of the irregularities remain under wraps as the probe progresses. The sequential raids suggest investigators are pursuing leads uncovered during their earlier round of searches.

The case has drawn considerable political attention in Kerala, where opposition parties have sought to amplify questions about the allegations, while the ruling front has maintained that the chief minister and his family will cooperate fully with investigating agencies. The ED's continued focus on the matter underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the financial inquiry.