CPI(M) Accuses ED of Political Targeting in Money Laundering Case Against Vijayan's Family

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of politically targeting opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan in a money laundering case. The party organized a meeting in Kozhikode to voice its opposition to the ED's investigation, which is reportedly focused on Vijayan's daughter, Veena T, and Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).

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Politics is the only game being played to turn this into a case without any evidence. That is the politics we strongly oppose.

M. V. Govindan, the CPI(M) state secretary, alleged that the ED is pursuing the investigation with an ulterior political motive. He claimed the probe against Veena is an attempt to target the former chief minister and his son-in-law, MLA P. A. Muhammed Riyas. "Politics is the only game being played to turn this into a case without any evidence. That is the politics we strongly oppose," Govindan stated.

Govindan criticized the ED's practice of issuing press releases during ongoing investigations, calling it an unusual and "strange stance." He alleged that the ED releases information to create a "smokescreen" without substantial evidence, citing searches conducted at Vijayan and Riyas's residences on May 27 that reportedly yielded nothing.

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What the ED is doing here is a strange stance. That strange stance comes in the form of press releases. Conducting an investigation, twisting and elaborating on matters that have no basis or evidence, and propagating them as if major evidence has been found to create a smokescreen.

The CPI(M) leader further claimed that the ED is now attempting to frame Riyas, a CPI(M) State Secretariat member, simply because he is Vijayan's son-in-law. He vowed that the party would politically counter this attempt. Govindan also drew parallels with the long-pending SNC-Lavalin case involving Vijayan, suggesting the ED might prolong the current case for decades.

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But now, it is not just Vijayan. You are trying to frame Muhammed Riyas-a CPI(M) State Secretariat member, former minister and MLA-just because he is Vijayan's son-in-law. We will face that attempt politically as well.