The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at premises linked to former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) on Wednesday. Acting under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials searched nearly ten locations across the state. Among the properties covered was Vijayan’s rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram, PTI reported.
The searches form part of a broader probe into suspected financial irregularities tied to the company’s transactions.
Kerala High Court declines CMRL plea
Reportedly, in a related development, the Kerala High Court rejected a petition filed by CMRL that sought to quash the Enforcement Directorate’s proceedings in the case. The company had approached the court to challenge the Enforcement Case Information Report and halt the summons issued to its officials.
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Following the dismissal, counsel for CMRL requested a two-week extension of the interim protection that had earlier prevented the ED from summoning company representatives. The court refused to grant relief.
#WATCH | Kannur: In the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) case, Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting searches at 10 premises in Keralam, including the residences of former Chief Minister and present LoP Pinarayi Vijayan. https://t.co/5KYJNnClr8 pic.twitter.com/nNu8sDcjMU
— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2026
“I’m not really inclined. I don’t think it should be done. Even otherwise, I feel that without further notice, they’ll not be able to do anything. So when a further notice comes, you are always free to,” the court said.
The petition had been filed by senior members of the company’s leadership, including top management figures.
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What is the CMRL case about?
The case centres on allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited made unlawful payments to Exalogic Solutions, a firm reportedly linked to Vijayan’s family. Investigators are examining whether these transactions were part of a wider pattern involving bribery and laundering of funds.
ED has registered the case under the PMLA framework and continues to investigate the financial trail. No further official details have been disclosed so far, and the probe remains ongoing.
