UDF demands judicial probe into KSTP project

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 22 (UNI) Alleging that there was rampant corruption in awarding of contract for the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) to PATI-Bel company without inviting proper tenders, the Congress-led Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) today demanded a judicial probe into it.

Talking to reporters after the UDF meeting, its Convener P P Thankachan accused Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac of having a role in it and added that the State had consequently incurred an additional burden of Rs 102 crore.

He said the Government could also inquire into the allegations in this regard during the previous UDF regime.

Alleging that the contract was given to the Malaysian firm without its participation in the tenders, Mr Thankachan said the contract amount was more than 72 per cent of the tender amount, violating all norms.

Though PATI-Bel had agreed to complete the remaining work for Rs 106 crore, the Government had agreed to pay an additional Rs 102 crore, he added.

UNI