The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought the registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law Mohamed Riyas, citing what a senior opposition leader described as "major" allegations in connection with the CMRL case. V.D. Satheesan, a prominent opposition figure, highlighted the ED's letter requesting the formal registration of the case, bringing the high-profile political family under renewed scrutiny. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation surrounding the Chief Minister's family and has ignited a fresh political controversy in the state, drawing immediate and strong reactions from various political factions.

The move by the central agency has drawn sharp criticism from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], led by Mr. Vijayan, which has vehemently accused opposition parties, particularly the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of orchestrating a political vendetta. CPI(M) leader M.V. Jayarajan stated that the party would mount a robust political and legal challenge should the former Chief Minister be "wrongfully targeted." Mr. Vijayan himself echoed these sentiments, alleging that the ED's actions were politically motivated with the explicit aim of portraying the CPI(M) as culpable and undermining its political standing ahead of crucial electoral periods.

Mr. Jayarajan further criticised the central agency for what he described as a selective approach to corruption allegations, pointing out the ED's perceived inaction on similar claims involving Congress leaders. This accusation underscores the broader political tension between the ruling party in Kerala and central investigative agencies, which the CPI(M) frequently characterises as being used as tools against non-BJP governments. The party has consistently vowed to oppose any attempts to "wrongfully target" its leadership through politically motivated investigations, asserting that the current actions are part of a larger pattern of harassment.

In a related but separate incident that further highlights the escalating tensions, the Enforcement Directorate has also registered a case against 28 individuals following an attack on its officials during a raid at Mr. Vijayan’s residence. ED sources confirmed that all individuals named in the initial police First Information Report (FIR) would be formally arraigned as accused. The charges invoked against them will include those covered by scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), indicating the seriousness with which the agency views the obstruction of its investigative operations. This incident further exacerbates the strained relationship between the state's political establishment and the central agency, reflecting a deepening confrontation over the ongoing probes.