Kerala minister questioned by NIA for eight hours
Oppn ups demand for Jaleel’s resignation, Violent protests continue in Kerala
Kerala higher education minister K.T. Jaleel appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) at its Kochi office in connection with the complaints related to protocol violation in receiving diplomatic parcels containing Quran even as Opposition parties organised angry protests across the state for the sixth consecutive day demanding his resignation.
Jaleel was all smiles when he came out of the NIA office after ten hours.
The minister arrived at the NIA office in CPM leader’s private vehicle as early as 6 am. However, the NIA team began taking his statement only after 9 am which was completed by 5.10 pm.
“I have told whatever was needed to be conveyed to the investigation agency. I am happy and feel lighter,” a regional channel quoted him the questioning.
Besides protocol violation, the NIA is reportedly looking into complaints of violation of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (accepting foreign aid without Centre’s permission). The probe agency is believed to have received complaints about gold smuggling case accused using Quran baggage for their clandestine operations.
Though there is no evidence of the minister’s links with the gold smuggling case accused or their operations, the investigation agencies are examining whether any shady activities took place without Jaleel’s knowledge.
Meanwhile, when asked about the Jaleel issue at the daily press conference, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the NIA might have sought some clarification from the minister.
“It is already clear that there is no case against after him. Let me get details,” he said.
On Opposition’s demand for Jaleel’s resignation, the Chief Minister said, “There is no need for him to resign on moral grounds. He didn’t demand copies of Quran or Zakat from the UAE consulate. It was the other way round. Copies of the Quran were not brought into the state clandestinely. It came through the normal route in the airport and were cleared. The consulate sought Jaleel’s help in the distribution of the Quran because he is the minister for welfare of minorities. The minister has already made it clear so there are no issues.” Vijayan said he could understand why UDF convenor Benny Behanan and BJP leaders were raising allegations related to the Quran. But on what basis is the Muslim League trying to raise complaints regarding the Quran, he asked.
It is normal for any agency to seek clarificamore
tion or clarity when complaints come before it. “Let the investigations take its course. We have nothing to worry about,” he said.
Vijayan alleged that the Congress and BJP were making attempts to prop up an unholy alliance against the LDF government in the state.