Joseph's re-induction into Cabinet after probe: CM

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 3 (UNI) Stating that there is no change in the decision for a judicial inquiry into the sexual harassment case against former minister P J Joseph, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today indicated that a final decision about his re-induction into the Cabinet could be taken only after the probe was completed.

Talking to mediapersons here, he said ''the government will 'certainly' go ahead with the judicial probe, based on the report from Inspector General of Police B Sandhya, who conducted the preliminary investigation into the allegations.'' Mr Achuthanandan said as another case in this regard was already going on in Chennai, the government had decided to appoint a judge after the verdict.

Asked whether the government would re-induct him into the Cabinet, he said a final decision was not yet taken. ''Let the verdict come first,'' he added.

The Chief Minister said he would inform the position of the LDF leadership to Mr Joseph, who was scheduled to meet him later today.

Mr Joseph is scheduled to meet the Chief Minister to inform him about filling the post of Public Works Minister, which lay vacant over a month following the resignation of T U Kuruvila.

The Kerala Congress (Joseph) leader and former Public Works Minister was forced to resign following prima facie case against him in a sexual harassment charge by Lakshmi Gopakumar, a Chennai-based woman.

UNI