Published Jun 04, 2026 | 12:34 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 04, 2026 | 12:34 PM
The case has attracted significant legal attention, with Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra appearing for CMRL.
Synopsis: The Kerala High Court is set to rule on Friday on CMRL’s appeal against an order allowing the Enforcement Directorate’s probe into the company’s financial dealings to continue, in a case that has political implications because of its links to Veena T, daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team is probing the alleged attack on an ED convoy in Thiruvananthapuram during recent raids linked to the case, with 25 people arrested so far.
The Kerala High Court is set to deliver its verdict on Friday, 5 June, on an appeal filed by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) challenging a single-judge order that refused to quash the ED probe into the company’s financial dealings.
Apart from the ED investigation, the matter is also being examined by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which had earlier filed a complaint against CMRL alleging various offences.
The case has attracted significant legal attention, with Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra appearing for CMRL, while the ED is represented by ASG ARL Sundaresan and Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain.
CMRL and its officials are also represented by a team of senior advocates, including M Gopikrishnan Nambiar, K John Mathai, Joson Manavalan, Kurian Thomas, Paulose C Abraham and Raja Kannan.
The case carries major political implications due to its connection with Veena T, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The ED’s recent raids on properties linked to Vijayan and his family turned violent after CPI(M) cadres allegedly attacked a convoy of ED officials as it exited the Leader of Opposition’s rented house in Thiruvananthapuram.
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On 30 May, the Kerala Police constituted a 30-member SIT to probe the attack on an ED team in Thiruvananthapuram. The SIT will function under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cantonment Sub-Division, while Museum Police Station SHO Inspector Prasanth R has been designated as the investigating officer.
The police order stated that the supervisory officer would closely monitor the probe and ensure a comprehensive investigation. Regular progress reports are also to be submitted to the City Police Commissioner.
The case has been registered under various provisions of the BNS and Section 3(1) of the PDPP Act.
The Museum Police in Thiruvananthapuram have registered a case against around 300 identifiable persons in connection with the incident.
So far, 25 people have been arrested. During earlier proceedings, the Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court in Thiruvananthapuram observed that the incident appeared to be a planned and coordinated attack rather than a spontaneous protest.
The SIT has already recorded statements from ED officials, including Assistant Director Sanith Reddy. According to sources, the officials expressed concerns that the alleged attack was a premeditated act and part of a larger conspiracy.
Sources in the Kochi unit of the ED told South First that an attack on a central investigative agency is a serious offence.
“It is not an attack on an individual officer; it is an attack on the system itself,” an official said.
One of the cars which came under attack.
The sources added that, following consultations with the agency’s headquarters, steps would be taken to further strengthen the case. If the ED is not satisfied with the SIT’s investigation, it may seek a CBI probe into the attack.
Senior officials in the Kochi unit have already submitted a detailed report on the Thiruvananthapuram incident to ED Director Rahul Navin.
According to sources, one of the key parallels being drawn by the Kerala ED unit is with the Sandeshkhali incident in West Bengal, where an attack on ED officials in 2024 drew national attention and eventually led to a CBI investigation.
Apart from ED officials, the SIT has also recorded statements from eight CRPF personnel and two bank officials who accompanied the ED team during the operation.
ED sources said that, irrespective of the Kerala High Court’s verdict on Friday regarding the continuation of the ED probe, the attack case is expected to gather momentum.
Officials said that failure to take strong action in such cases could undermine the confidence of officers investigating sensitive matters and affect the effectiveness of such investigations.
BJP leader Adv. Shone George, one of the key complainants and a vocal whistleblower in the CMRL-Exalogic case, told South First that his involvement predates his entry into the BJP and that allegations of political rivalry are therefore misplaced.
“I have been pursuing this case even before joining the BJP. Political rivalry cannot be cited against me. I am continuing to follow up on the matter in my personal capacity,” he said.
Shone claimed that the Kerala High Court verdict was delayed largely because several senior lawyers were involved in the proceedings.
“Otherwise, a final judgment could have come in the last hearing itself. As of now, the status quo continues,” he added.
He further alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan used the controversy to consolidate support within the CPI(M) at a time when he was facing criticism from different sections of the party.
“Politicising such a case is unnecessary. We saw similar reactions from the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, and now the same is happening in Kerala. Whatever the provocation, attacking a federal agency cannot be justified,” he said.
“No agency probe in India has ever been withdrawn or rolled back because of political opposition. Such resistance often results in investigations becoming more rigorous, as officials feel compelled to pursue the matter more seriously,” he said.
Questioning the political defence mounted around the case, he added: “The most important point is that Veena herself has not opposed the investigation. If that is the case, why is the party shielding her? Let the investigation continue.”
Responding to questions about Bineesh Kodiyeri, with whom he shares a legal practice in Kochi, Shone denied any involvement by his colleague in pursuing the case.
“We understand and respect personal, political and professional boundaries. There has been no such involvement from his side,” he said.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court lawyer Adv. Babila Ummer Khan told South First that attacks on ED officials are viewed seriously under the law.
“Attacking ED officials is considered a serious offence against the state. The accused could face stringent non-bailable charges, including Section 109 of the BNS, rioting with deadly weapons, and obstructing public servants in the discharge of their official duties. Courts have also taken a strict view of such cases. Moreover, attacks on enforcement agencies contribute to an unhealthy political atmosphere,” she said.
