ED raid on Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence in Kerala sparks fury across the state

CPI(M) workers try to block the vehicle of Enforcement Directorate officials as they leave after raiding Kerala Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. | Photo credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

What began as a pre-dawn high-security operation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at Kerala Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence at Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram slowly turned into one of the most volatile political street scenes the capital has witnessed in recent years. The ED raid led to several protests by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) workers across the state.

The raid, which began at around 6 am, lasted for nearly eight hours under the supervision of CRPF and Kerala Police personnel. In the afternoon, the narrow alley leading to the house became a corridor of confrontation.

Hundreds of CPI(M) workers gathered outside the residence, shouting slogans against the central agency and denouncing the action as politically motivated. Senior party leaders repeatedly appealed for restraint, but the crowd’s anger spilled beyond verbal protest.

Emotionally charged scenes ensued as workers attempted to scale the walls and iron barricades. At several places during the operation, bottles, sandals and other objects were thrown at the CRPF personnel guarding the gate.

The dramatic scenes unfolded after the ED team completed the search operation and prepared to leave the premises. As the officials, including policewomen, came out of the house and headed for their vehicles under CRPF protection, the protesters thronged the main gate and started shouting at the officials as they got out. Three vehicles carrying ED personnel initially tried to drive out but were quickly surrounded by agitators.

The enraged mob rammed vehicles, threw objects and blocked their way. Soon the vehicles were vandalized as protesters smashed the front and rear windshields and hit the vehicle’s door amid chaotic scenes near the gate.

Police personnel tried to push back the crowd as the protesters approached the convoy. The ED officials in the vehicles were visibly shaken as the protesters beat the cars and shouted slogans at close range. According to officials, the driver and three policemen were injured in the attack.

The worsening situation finally forced the police to attack the activists and create a corridor for the safe exit of the column. The lane in front of the residence, which is bordered by buildings, parked vehicles and a nursing home, added to the tension. The scenario raised fears of a stampede-like crisis if the crowd gets out of control.

ED officials later lodged a formal complaint with the Thampanoor police station regarding the attack on the convoy and the damage to the vehicles.

Published – 27 May 2026 20:25 IST