HC expresses displeasure over manner of Vigilance questioning

The Kerala High court today expressed its displeasure in the manner in which Salim Raj, former gunman of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was questioned by vigilance recently.
The observation was made by Justice Harun-Al Rashid while considering a fresh petition filed by T R Prakash of Alapuzha complaining that he was cheated by Solar Panel scam accused Saritha S Nair and Biju Radhakrishnan in 2005.
Salim Raj was questioned by Vigilance last week in Thiruvananthapuram in a land deal case and television channels had flashed his pictures showing him after the questioning and his reaction.
According to the petitioner, who claims to be a builder, the two accused-- Saritha and Biju Radhakrishnan had cheated him of Rs 41 lakh in connection with a scrap business. The amount obtained in the scrap business were shared by police officers, he alleged.

The court orally observed this aspect requires 'serious investigation'.
Director General of Prosecutions (DGP) T Asaf Ali said the government was ready to have a detailed investigation in the matter.

The court then observed that the manner in which Salim raj was questioned was not proper. "Are you questioning people like this?" it asked.
Though the DGP asked to be provided the details of the police officers, against whom allegations had been raised by the petitioner, the court said "it is your duty to find the wrongdoer during the relevant time."
The case was referred by police in 2010 pointing that the complaint was of civil nature and not criminal.

The petitioner also claimed to have met the Chief Minister, on May 29, 2005 along with Reshmi, the late wife of Biju Radhakrishnan,who was killed in suspicious circumstances.
The court said it was a serious matter and the circumstances in which the the matter was referred as civil by police needs to be inquired. Justice Rashid also criticised the police saying "theoretically you are agreeing with court,practically you are not doing anything.