ED files FIR after mob attacks officials at Pinarayi Vijayan's residence in Thiruvananthapuram
Synopsis
A mob of nearly 300 people — with six CPI-M workers already arrested — attacked ED officials, CRPF personnel, and Kerala Police officers with bricks and sticks outside former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Thiruvananthapuram residence after searches linked to the CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case. The FIR filed at the Museum Police Station marks a sharp escalation in one of Kerala's most politically charged financial investigations.
Key Takeaways
The ED filed an FIR at Museum Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram on 27 May after officials were attacked outside former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's residence.
A mob of nearly 300 persons allegedly used sticks, stones, and bricks to assault ED officials, CRPF personnel, and Kerala Police officers.
Three ED vehicles were damaged; one ED officer suffered hand injuries and a driver sustained serious injuries from a brick.
Six CPI-M workers have been arrested; one more activist remains in police custody.
The FIR is registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act .
The raids were linked to alleged financial irregularities between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions , owned by Veena Vijayan , daughter of the former CM.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday, 27 May lodged an FIR at the Museum Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram following a violent mob attack on its officials as they exited the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Bakery Junction. The case was registered on the complaint of an ED Assistant Director and is linked to the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL)-Exalogic alleged monthly pay-off case.
What Happened Outside Vijayan's Residence
According to the FIR, a mob of nearly 300 persons allegedly attacked ED officials, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, and Kerala Police officers deployed at the site. The attackers reportedly used sticks, stones, and bricks to assault officials and damage vehicles belonging to the ED convoy after searches at the residence concluded on Wednesday afternoon.
According to police sources, three ED vehicles were damaged in the attack. One ED officer reportedly sustained injuries to his hand, while a driver in the convoy suffered serious injuries after being struck by a brick.
Arrests and Legal Provisions
Police have recorded the arrest of six CPI-M workers, with another activist remaining in police custody at the time of reporting. The FIR has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Authorities have launched a large-scale investigation to identify and apprehend all those involved in the violence.
The CMRL-Exalogic Case Background
The raids were conducted as part of the ED's probe into alleged illegal financial transactions between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, an IT company owned by Veena Vijayan, the daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The case centres on alleged monthly pay-offs between the two entities, and has been a source of sustained political controversy in Kerala.
This is not the first time the CMRL-Exalogic matter has drawn scrutiny — the case has been under investigation for alleged irregularities in payments made to Exalogic for services rendered to the mineral company, with critics arguing the arrangement lacked commercial justification.
What Happens Next
Following the attack, the ED team proceeded directly to the Thampanoor Police Station to file a detailed complaint, on the basis of which the Museum Police registered the FIR and initiated the investigation. With six arrests already made and more suspects being identified, further detentions are expected. The incident is likely to intensify political tensions in Kerala ahead of upcoming legislative sessions.
Point of View
It raises questions about whether the violence was spontaneous or organised. More broadly, the CMRL-Exalogic case has moved from financial scrutiny to physical confrontation, which suggests the political stakes around it are rising. Kerala's opposition will use this incident to press the narrative that the ruling dispensation is obstructing a legitimate federal investigation — a charge that will be difficult to rebut while party workers remain in custody on assault charges.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the ED raid Pinarayi Vijayan's residence?
The ED conducted searches at former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's residence in Thiruvananthapuram as part of its probe into the CMRL-Exalogic case, which involves alleged illegal financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited and Exalogic Solutions, an IT company owned by his daughter Veena Vijayan.
What happened after the ED completed its search?
As ED officials exited the residence at Bakery Junction, a mob of nearly 300 people allegedly attacked them with sticks, stones, and bricks. Three ED vehicles were damaged and multiple officials, including a driver who was struck by a brick, sustained injuries.
Who has been arrested in connection with the attack?
Kerala Police have recorded the arrest of six CPI-M workers, with one more activist in custody. The FIR was registered at the Museum Police Station on the complaint of an ED Assistant Director, and a large-scale investigation is underway to identify further suspects.
Under which laws has the FIR been registered?
The FIR has been filed under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, covering offences related to assault on public officials and destruction of government property.
What is the CMRL-Exalogic case about?
The case centres on alleged monthly pay-offs between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, an IT firm owned by Veena Vijayan, daughter of former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan. The ED has been investigating whether these financial transactions were legitimate or constituted illegal gratification.
