ED launches case against 27 over attack on officials at Vijayan residence

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated proceedings against 27 people in connection with an assault on its officials during a search operation at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's residence in Kerala. According to ED sources, all individuals named in the police First Information Report will be arraigned as accused in the agency's investigation.

The ED intends to invoke charges covered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against the accused, drawing from offences already documented in the police case. The scheduled offences identified by police have provided the basis for the ED's action under anti-money laundering provisions.

The incident occurred during the course of the raid at the Chief Minister's residence, during which the confrontation between the accused persons and ED officials took place. The case marks an escalation in the agency's ongoing investigation, with the assault allegations now being pursued as a separate matter under PMLA provisions.

The action reflects the ED's determination to pursue all aspects of the investigation comprehensively. Officials indicated that the charges would encompass both the assault allegations and any related financial irregularities that fall under the purview of money laundering legislation.