Vigilance orders quick verification against graft charges

Vigilance and anti-corruption bureau today ordered 'Quick verification' of alleged irregularities of around Rs 10 crore in import of raw cashew nuts by Kerala Cashew Development Corporation and CAPEX.
"The Quick Verification(QV) is not against an individual, but against certain decisions taken by the corporation and CAPEX in import of raw cashew nut," vigilance sources told PTI.
There are three QVs. Two will be inquired by vigilance's Kollam unit and the other by the one here, the source said.
The QV orders were issued by Vigilance Director DGP Jacob Thomas on a complaint filed by Adv Rahim, President of Lawyers Congress, alleging corruption in import of raw cashew.

Earlier, Congress MLA V D Satheeshan had in the state assembly raised allegations of irregularities in import of raw cashew nut against J Mercykutty Amma the Minister for Fisheries and Cashew Development.
The minister had then said the opposition was spreading false charges against her and she would quit if the charges were proved.

Satheesan had alleged that Kerala Cashew Development Corporation had imported raw cashew nut at a higher price when it was available at a cheaper rate, causing 'heavy burden' to it.
The Cashew Development Corporation incurred a loss of Rs 6.87 crore in importing 3,900 tonnes of cashew nut. A loss of Rs 3.47 crore was incurred while importing 2,000 tonnes of cashew nut by Capex, it was stated.

Meanwhile, the minister welcomed the QV.