Thiruvananthapuram, 03 August (H.S.):K.A. Ratheesh, former Managing Director of the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation and the first accused in the alleged Rs 600-crore cashew corruption case, has resigned from three key positions under the Kerala government following sharp observations by the Kerala High Court.
Ratheesh stepped down as Secretary of the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board, Managing Director of Kerala State Rutronix and Chief Executive Officer of the Kerala Khadi Workers Welfare Fund Board, according to reports.
His resignation came after the High Court questioned how a person awaiting trial in a corruption case could continue to occupy important government positions that carried considerable administrative and financial responsibilities.
The court had also asked whether the government was unaware that Ratheesh continued to hold such posts despite facing prosecution in the corruption case. Following the court's observations, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is understood to have asked Ratheesh to resign from the positions.
The case relates to alleged irregularities involving around Rs 600 crore in the Cashew Development Corporation. Ratheesh and R. Chandrasekharan, INTUC State president and former chairman of the corporation, are among the accused.
The previous Pinarayi Vijayan-led government had declined to grant sanction for prosecution despite repeated directions from the High Court. The Left government had maintained that there was no corruption and that the allegations involved only procedural lapses.
After coming to power, the UDF government granted prosecution sanction in accordance with the High Court's directions, clearing the way for further proceedings.
The CBI recently filed a supplementary chargesheet in the case, adding offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The chargesheet was submitted before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Thiruvananthapuram.
Ratheesh's exit from the government posts follows the renewed judicial scrutiny of his continued appointment while the corruption case is pending.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
