Eight Arrested After Attack on ED Vehicles During Kerala Raid Protests

Eight people have been arrested so far in connection with the alleged attack on vehicles carrying Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during protests that broke out after raids linked to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family-related financial dealings, police said on Thursday.

State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar said the investigation is progressing and that more individuals involved in the violence have been identified. He confirmed that around 300 people have been booked in the case and that arrests will continue as evidence is verified.

Speaking after meeting Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala , Chandrasekhar said the government has directed strict action against those responsible . He also noted that adequate police deployment was made around the area once information about the ED operation was received, though the agency had not informed police in advance.

According to the First Information Report filed by the Museum Police, the incident involved stone-pelting, use of sticks, and attacks on vehicles carrying ED and security personnel, including members of the Central Reserve Police Force and Kerala Police. One officer sustained injuries to the hand, while a driver was seriously hurt after being struck by stones and bricks. Several official vehicles were also damaged, with losses estimated at around ₹3 lakh .

The FIR has invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rioting, unlawful assembly, assault on public servants, and attempt to murder .

The ED raids are linked to alleged financial transactions involving Vijayan’s daughter’s firm and a sand mining company as part of the CMRL money laundering case . Officials said searches were conducted at multiple premises across Kerala, including locations connected to the Chief Minister’s family.