Kerala HC grants bail to several accused in attack on ED officials
The Kerala High Court on August 3, Monday granted regular bail to several persons accused of attacking Enforcement Directorate officials following a search at the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in May.
Justice Kauser Edappagath granted bail despite the ED's claim that the incident was a "coordinated and organised assault" rather than a spontaneous protest. The detailed order is awaited.
The attack allegedly took place on May 27 as ED officials were leaving after conducting a search linked to financial dealings between Vijayan's daughter T Veena's firm, Exalogic Solutions, and sand mining company Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL).
The ED alleged that a mob attacked vehicles carrying the officials, injuring a driver, a CRPF officer and a member of the search team.
The agency had opposed the bail pleas, arguing that the attack was a "violent, pre-planned, politically coordinated attack" involving dangerous weapons.
The ED's investigation concerns allegations that Veena and Exalogic Solutions received payments from CMRL between 2017 and 2020 for IT and consultancy services that were allegedly not provided. Veena and CMRL have denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the payments were part of a legitimate commercial arrangement.
