Kerala's Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has called for a fresh Vigilance inquiry into claims concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stemming from his time as the Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD) in the state. This decision follows a petition from Congress leader Malayinkeezhu Venugopal.
The investigation revolves around the case of Lee See Been, a Malaysian civil engineer who tragically took his own life in Kuala Lumpur in November 2006 shortly after his return from Kerala. Lee was linked to the PATI-BEL consortium, which was involved in the improvement of MC Road under the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP). His death is reportedly connected to allegations regarding the project's administration and execution.
A purported suicide note from Lee allegedly mentioned Kumar, who was in charge of the PWD at that time, raising questions about irregularities in the project. Accusations have emerged suggesting that external pressures may have undermined the initial Vigilance inquiry conducted in 2006.
In light of these allegations, the state Home Department has requested all files related to the previous investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to review how the inquiry was originally managed and to identify any influences that may have affected its direction.
According to the Home Minister's Office, Chennithala has instructed the Vigilance Director to thoroughly investigate the claims of interference and to take necessary actions based on the investigation's outcomes. Chennithala described the allegations of external influence as serious and deserving of a comprehensive inquiry.
The renewed investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the initial inquiry and the handling of the allegations made at that time. Lee's work with the consortium for the MC Road upgrade forms a significant part of the inquiry's context.
Venugopal's petition prompted the new government action, as it came to light that the earlier inquiry may have been obstructed by outside pressures. The mention of Kumar in the alleged suicide note remains under scrutiny, although it does not imply any wrongdoing. Further actions will hinge on the Vigilance findings, following which the government will assess whether the original proceedings were flawed and what subsequent measures may be required.
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