Thiruvananthapuram, 02 August (H.S.):The Kerala government has ordered an urgent inquiry against under secretaries in the Local Self-Government and Home departments over a controversial official communication concerning jailed BJP councillor R. Sugathan of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Sugathan, who represents the Vazhottukonam ward, is currently in jail under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). The government initiated the probe after finding that officials had allegedly overstepped ministerial directions and orders from their superiors while preparing the communication.

Sources said disciplinary action, including a show-cause notice, could be initiated against Local Self-Government Department Under Secretary and Kerala Administrative Service officer Dr Chithra Arunima.

The controversy began after Sugathan submitted an application to the Home Department on June 22 seeking escorted parole to attend Corporation Council meetings. The request, forwarded through the prison superintendent, prompted the Home Department's confidential wing to seek the opinion of the Local Self-Government Department.

The Local Self-Government Minister had directed officials to reject the request. The department subsequently informed the Home Department that prison rules did not provide for parole to a preventive detention prisoner for attending public meetings. Parole could be considered only in exceptional humanitarian circumstances, such as a death or serious illness in the family.

However, the communication also stated that Sugathan could submit a leave application to the Corporation Council through the prison superintendent to avoid disqualification. It added that his councillor position would not be threatened if the Council approved the leave through a vote.

It is this additional advice that triggered the controversy.

Officials are examining how the paragraph was included despite the minister's direction. An assistant in the department had initially noted that no further departmental action was required, but the disputed portion was subsequently added at the under-secretary level.

The Home Department's under secretary allegedly reproduced the advice and forwarded it to the Mayor.

The issue gained political momentum after the LDF accused the government of facilitating the BJP administration in the Corporation. UDF leader Sabarinathan also strongly criticised the controversial communication.

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

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman