The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) in Kerala intends to investigate the role of former PWD Minister VK Ebrahim Kunju in the corruption allegations concerning the Palarivattom flyover construction. The VACB on Friday informed the Kerala High Court that they have sought permission from the state government to begin an inquiry.
In response to the second bail application filed by the accused in the case, the VACB counsel A Rajesh told the Kerala High Court, "It is also submitted that in order to conduct further investigation regarding the conspiracy behind the illegal release of mobilization advance and the involvement of the then minister who is also responsible for the issuance of government order, sanction under section 17 A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (Amended on 25/07/2018) is required. For this purpose, the application submitted is under the consideration of the Competent Authority concerned."
The High Court was hearing the bail applications filed by the former PWD secretary T O Sooraj and RBDCK additional general manager M T Thankachan, and RDS Projects managing director Sumeet Goyal. The VACB suspects the involvement of more persons in the case and intends to expand the scope of the investigation. The VACB has so far questioned and recorded statements from over 10 witnesses in the case.
The counsel for the VACB contended that those accused in the case were influential persons and letting them out on bail would impact the investigation adversely, reported ToI.
The VACB has initiated an inquiry into the construction of the bridge following allegations made by the present PWD minister. The VACB denied allegations that the investigation was politically motivated and said there was enough evidence to prove criminal conspiracy, corruption and criminal breach of trust. The counsel for the VACB informed the court that the role of the former minister came to light only after the details regarding his involvement were revealed by the fourth accused in the case, Sooraj. This is the second bail application being filed by those accused, reported TNIE.
The court will be hearing the bail application again on Monday.