Kerala Oppn targets CM for graft in police dept

The CAG report that blamed Director General of Police Loknath Behera has developed into a full-blown political controversy, with the Opposition accusing the hand of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan behind the violations.

Opposition parties, including Congress and BJP, are demanding a central probe into the CAG findings, alleging that these are part of a major scam involving over Rs 100 crore. The opposition has announced a season of agitations to press the demand for a full-fledged enquiry. And it insists that any probe must also include the office of the chief minister, as it feels that the DGP cannot enter into the deals without the support of Pinarayi Vijayan.

The CAG found several financial irregularities in the utilisation of government funds and the mysterious disappearance of 25 rifles and 12,000 bullets from the police battery. The report also suspected foul play in the award of a sensitive surveillance deal and other contracts to private companies, which are suspected to be front companies owned by people close to chief minister.

Most purchases were made in violation of the tendering rules and often deals were given to preferred private companies. A deal to buy 200 vehicles for the police department was awarded without calling for tenders.

A delegation led by Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran visited the villas built for the DGP and other senior officials using funds meant for housing for lower rung personnel including sub-inspectors.

“These are not just villas, but luxury villas,” the leaders told media. The funds for the staff accommodation were sanctioned by the central government, they said.

Sensing the mounting pressure, the chief minister asked the home secretary to study the CAG findings and report to him on the veracity of the claims. The home secretary has since submitted a report, which argued that the CAG’s findings were not correct.