Thiruvananthapuram, 04 Oct (H.S.):

Speaking to reporters after ordering the inquiry, Chennithala said the allegations concerned Kumar’s tenure in Kerala in 2006. The government had received legal advice that his present constitutional position would not prevent an investigation into matters relating to that period, he said.

The probe concerns alleged irregularities in the Kerala State Transport Project’s renovation of MC Road and the death by suicide of Malaysian project engineer Lee See Been, who worked with the contractor involved in the project.

According to the minister, the Rs 215 crore project was implemented with World Bank assistance to upgrade MC Road between Angamaly and Thiruvananthapuram. The construction contract was awarded to the Malaysian PATI-BEL consortium.

Chennithala said Lee had raised complaints about alleged corruption during construction before returning to Malaysia, where he subsequently died by suicide.

The minister said two suicide notes written by the engineer in Malaysia had been found, and that one of them mentioned Kumar. He cited the purported reference while explaining the government’s decision to order the Vigilance investigation.

Chennithala maintained that the inquiry would examine allegations arising from Kumar’s earlier administrative responsibilities, rather than his functioning as Chief Election Commissioner. His assertion about the absence of protection from the current office was based on the legal advice received by the government, he reiterated.

The minister’s remarks set out the government’s grounds for proceeding with the investigation. The allegations of corruption and the claimed contents of the engineer’s notes remain matters for examination during the inquiry; the announcement does not establish wrongdoing by Kumar or others associated with the project.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman