ED Pastes Summon Notice at Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence in Thiruvananthapuram

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has pasted a summons notice at the Thiruvananthapuram residence of former Kerala Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan. The notice seeks details of his bank accounts, assets, investments, and alleged financial links with Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).

The notice was affixed to the compound after Vijayan was found unavailable at his rented residence in the state capital, as he was in Kannur. Staff present at the residence reportedly did not accept the notice on his behalf. The ED has requested details of all bank accounts and fixed deposits held by Vijayan and associated entities, both in India and abroad, along with supporting documents for movable and immovable assets, including bank lockers.

The agency also sought copies of income tax returns filed for financial years from 2016 to 2026, and details of entities associated with Vijayan and his family members globally, including investments. Furthermore, the summons requests information on funds allegedly received by Vijayan, his family, or connected individuals from CMRL or its managing director, Sashidhar Kartha.

In response, senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader M V Jayarajan termed the ED’s action a "drama" and accused the agency of targeting political opponents. Jayarajan claimed the ED was aware Vijayan was in Kannur for party meetings and questioned why the agency visited his Thiruvananthapuram residence, asserting Vijayan was not absconding. He called it "political vengeance," alleging the ED is used as a weapon against Opposition leaders. Jayarajan also linked the timing to Supreme Court proceedings, noting the court would be closed until October 26, suggesting the agency knew this when asking Vijayan to appear this week. He indicated Vijayan might appear, depending on the Supreme Court’s verdict. The ED’s action comes amid a politically charged dispute, and the summons itself does not establish wrongdoing.

What to watch: The Supreme Court's verdict and Pinarayi Vijayan's response to the ED summons.

Editor's note: The draft covers the essential facts regarding the ED summons, the political response, and the context of the investigation.