Was CM Vijayan’s Son Summoned by the ED?
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Synopsis
A controversial document has surfaced, confirming that the ED summoned CM Pinarayi Vijayan's son, Vivek Kiran, in connection with a money-laundering case. This revelation raises significant political questions amid ongoing investigations. What does this mean for Kerala's political landscape?
Key Takeaways
- Vivek Kiran has been summoned by the ED in a money-laundering investigation.
- The summons relates to the Life Mission housing project.
- Allegations of kickbacks totaling Rs 4.4 crore have surfaced.
- The ED's actions raise questions about political accountability.
- The case remains open despite Vivek's absence.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 11 (NationPress) A new controversy has emerged in Kerala as documents have come to light revealing that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s son, Vivek Kiran, regarding the Life Mission money-laundering investigation.
This revelation coincided with Chief Minister Vijayan’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, infusing a palpable political tension into the situation.
As reported by a prominent regional daily, the ED issued summons No. KCCEDO/2023/769 to Vivek Kiran, son of Pinarayi Vijayan, at Cliff House, Thiruvananthapuram, under Sections 50(2) and 50(3) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The notice, endorsed by then ED Assistant Director P.K. Anand, instructed him to appear at the agency’s Kochi office at 10:30 a.m. on February 14, 2023, and to bring documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank statements, and details pertaining to his and his family’s assets.
However, Vivek failed to present himself to the agency, and no subsequent action was taken.
The document remains active on the ED's official 'Verify Your Summons' portal, affirming its legitimacy.
This summons is part of the inquiry into the Wadakkanchery Life Mission housing project, where the agency alleged kickbacks totaling Rs 4.4 crore.
The project, financed by the UAE Red Crescent for victims of the 2018 floods, was executed by Unitac Builders.
Allegations surfaced that Unitac Managing Partner Santosh Eapen paid bribes to consulate officials and M. Sivasankar, then Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, who was later arrested following a three-day interrogation in Kochi.
The ED also questioned Swapna Suresh and Sarith, both implicated in the gold smuggling case, as part of the ongoing investigation.
The agency sought information about Vivek’s employment in Abu Dhabi from UAE authorities, though the outcome remains unclear.
During this time, the Congress alleged that the BJP and CPI(M) were “colluding” to protect the Chief Minister’s family, pointing to the ED’s inaction on the summons.
The emergence of this document raises new questions about the agency's reticence and the political ramifications of an investigation that briefly touched the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, ED officials remain tight-lipped about the summons to Vivek, although they confirm that the case is still open.
Point of View
Our coverage prioritizes impartiality and factual accuracy. The emergence of the ED summons against Vivek Kiran invites scrutiny into the integrity of political figures in Kerala. Our commitment is to present the facts without bias, ensuring that the public receives trustworthy information amidst ongoing controversies.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Life Mission money-laundering case?
The Life Mission money-laundering case involves allegations of kickbacks tied to the housing project for 2018 flood victims in Kerala, with the ED investigating the financial irregularities linked to government officials.
Why was Vivek Kiran summoned by the ED?
Vivek Kiran was summoned by the ED as part of their investigation into alleged bribery and kickbacks related to the Life Mission project, which is under scrutiny for potential financial misconduct.
What are the consequences of not appearing before the ED?
Failing to appear before the ED can lead to further legal complications, including potential charges of non-compliance with investigative procedures.
How does this impact Chief Minister Vijayan's political standing?
This development raises questions about Chief Minister Vijayan's political standing, potentially affecting public perception and the credibility of his administration.
What are the next steps in the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and further actions will depend on the findings of the ED as they continue to probe the allegations surrounding the Life Mission project.
