Police in Kerala have arrested five individuals and detained 11 others in connection with an attack on vehicles used by Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials following raids at the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram.

The incident occurred after ED teams conducted searches linked to alleged irregular financial transactions involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), a Kochi-based company, and a software firm reportedly associated with Veena T, the daughter of the former chief minister.

According to police officials, the violence broke out after the ED completed its search operations, when a large group of protesters allegedly blocked the convoy of ED officials.The mob is accused of smashing windshields, damaging vehicle windows, and throwing eggs and stones at the convoy.Some officials were also allegedly attacked with sticks.

Security personnel from the Kerala Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who were present to control the situation, were also reportedly assaulted during the incident.

Authorities have registered a case against around 300 people under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including unlawful assembly, rioting, assault on public servants, wrongful restraint, and attempt to murder.Charges under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act have also been added.

Police said five accused identified through visual evidence have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody, while 11 others are being questioned to determine their role.Among those detained is CPI(M) local committee secretary and former municipal councillor IP Binu.Investigators have also begun forensic examination of the site.Officials noted that the ED had not informed local police in advance about the operation, though security was later deployed.

Political reactions have also emerged, with CPI(M) MP AA Rahim expressing sympathy for a taxi driver whose vehicle was damaged and indicating possible support for repairs through union discussions.