Vigilance opposes petition by former minister's relative

The Kerala Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau today opposed a petition by P K Sudheer seeking to quash a case against his uncle and former minister E P Jayarajan related to alleged corruption in appointments to key posts in statutory corporations and public sector units.
In an affidavit filed before the high court, the VACB said theinvestigation of this case is in a preliminary stage and only through a comprehensive and detailed probe the entire facts can be revealed.
The affidavit said first accused Jayarajan, being the minister of industries and commerce "abused " his position as a minister and directed appointment of his near relative Sudheer as Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd.

"For appointing Sudheer, no explanations were offered as to why he was selected bypassing the list of competent candidates selected through a transparent selection process", said the Vigilance which conducted a Quick Verification in the case.
"In the Quick Verification, the legality of the appointment was looked into since Sec 13(1)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act includes obtainment of valuable thing or pecuniary advantage by illegal means."
"In the Quick Verification it was prima facie revealed criminal misconduct as defined in Sec 13(1)(d) of the PC Act".
Noting that the government specified strict guidelines for the selection of Chief Executives, the VACB saidJayarajan who had taken over charge as Minister for Industries was aware of the fact that there was a laid down procedure for selection of CEOs for the PSUs but appointed his nephew Sudheer as MD of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Limited ignoring the select list.