Govt not to drop probe into corruption cases: Achuthanandan

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 22 (UNI) Amid charges that there was a move to sabotage the demand for a CBI inquiry into the controversial SNC Lavalin case, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today made it clear that his government had no intention to drop any investigation into corruption cases.

''In fact, we have revived a case relating to palm oil deal which was dropped by the previous government,'' Mr Achuthanandan told newspersons here after a meeting of the state cabinet.

When pointed out that the government reportedly informed the Kerala High Court that there was no need for a CBI inquiry into the case in view of the ongoing vigilance probe, the Chief Minister said he would examine the matter. No decision had been taken by the government to drop investigation into any case.

The SNC Lalalin case assumed political significance as it was during the tenure of CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan as Electricity Minister that the contract for undertaking maintenance work of three hydel projects-- Pallivasal, Sengulam and Panniyar -- was awarded to the Canadian company.

The previous Oommen Chandy Government had recommended a CBI probe into the case, but the investigating agency recently informed the Kerala High Court that it was not probing the SNC Lavalin case.

The CBI stated that by a letter dated July 18 it had informed the department of personnel and training that Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB) was probing the case and the agency need not take up the investigation. The CBI stated that no notification under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act enabling CBI to takeover investigation in the case had been issued by the government.

Meanwhile, BJP State president P K Krishnadas alleged that the Congress had joined hands with the CPI(M) to sabotage the demand for a CBI probe into the SNC Lavalin case.

He said the CPI(M), which was supporting the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, had apparently exerted pressure on the Congress party to persuade the CBI against taking up the SNC Lavalin case. This case, involving corruption to the tune of Rs 375 crore, was the biggest scam Kerala had seen in its history, he alleged.

UNI CR MSJ DS1252