Kiliroor sex scandal issue rocks Kerala Assembly

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 11: The Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front(UDF) in Kerala today stalled the proceedings in the state Assembly after Speaker K Radhakrishnan denied them permission to raise the Kiliroor sex scandal issue in the House.

Turning down a notice seeking an adjournment motion on the role of a 'VIP' in the sex scandal case involving a minor girl, who died later, the Speaker said the House could not take up such issues for discussion.

However, Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy said the parents of the victim, in a letter to Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, had alleged that Health Minister P K Sreemathy had visited the girl alone in the hospital room and after her visit, the victim's mental health deteriorated.

During his tenure as the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Achuthanandan had promised the people that he would name the 'VIP' within six months after assuming office. Even after getting a clear indication about the VIP involved in the case, the Chief Minister was keeping mum on the issue.

In his reply, the Chief Minister said it was not proper on his part to make any comment on the issue which was before the court.

As per the request of the victim's parents, the government had written to the Centre seeking a CBI inquiry.

However, he evaded a direct reply to a question from the Leader of the Opposition on whether the letter, in which the name of his cabinet colleague was also mentioned, would be handed over to the CBI.

Following which, the Opposition rushed to the Well of the House raising slogans against the government, forcing the Speaker to rush through the day's proceedings and adjourn the House.

Later, talking to newspersons, Mr Chandy said the Speaker, who acted like a tool in the hands of the government, had failed to protect the rights of the Opposition.

''Our protest will be recorded in writing to the Speaker and future course of action will be decided on the basis of his reply,'' he added.

UNI