Pinarayi Vijayan family back in focus as ED searches aides of Mohammed Riyas

Kozhikode: The Enforcement Directorate’s renewed searches in the controversial ‘monthly payment’ case have once again put the family of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan under the political spotlight, with the agency on Tuesday searching the residence of two close aides of his son-in-law and former minister Mohammed Riyas, now a CPI(M) MLA from Beypore.

The ED launched searches at eight locations, including Kozhikode, from the early hours on Tuesday, in what is the third round of widespread searches in Kerala as part of the continuing probe.

A four-member team led by an ED Assistant Director is conducting the searches in Kozhikode, where most of the latest operations are concentrated.

Among the key locations searched is the residence of Nandulal, a former District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) coordinator and a close associate of Riyas.

The ED is understood to be examining his financial transactions, past dealings and possible links with individuals and entities already under the agency’s scanner.

Digital devices and financial records are also being scrutinised.

The latest operation assumes significance as the ED is believed to be entering the final stage of evidence collection before filing its charge sheet.

Investigators are seeking to consolidate financial and digital evidence against those likely to be charged in the case, with further questioning expected in the coming days.

The probe has its roots in alleged financial irregularities involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic, the now-defunct IT firm of Veena.

The ED has been examining allegations of large financial transactions being made without corresponding services and possible money-laundering links. Riyas, who retained the Beypore Assembly seat in the 2026 elections, has been a prominent CPI(M) voice against both the Congress and BJP.

However, his approach has been markedly different when questions have concerned the ED investigation involving his wife Veena Vijayan, daughter of Pinarayi Vijayan.

Veena has been questioned multiple times by the ED and her premises have also come under the agency’s scrutiny.

Riyas, meanwhile, has consistently avoided answering questions on the investigation.

On occasions, when reporters sought his response on the matter, he has deflected the questions rather than commenting on the probe, even resorting to remarks such as “Happy Onam.”

The ED’s interest has also moved closer to the family circle.

A few months ago, the agency had knocked on the doors of the residence of Riyas’s parents, adding another dimension to the widening investigation.

The latest search of close Riyas associates is therefore likely to intensify questions over the probe’s expanding reach.

The CPI(M) and its leaders have alleged that the ED action is politically motivated, while the agency maintains that its investigation is based on suspected financial irregularities and offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

With the investigation moving towards the charge sheet stage, the immediate question is whether the latest searches will yield evidence that leads the ED to more individuals, companies or politically prominent figures.

IANS