VS says UDF Govt "wreaking revenge", Chandy rubbishes charge

A combative Achuthanandan alleged Indian Union Muslim League leader and state Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty was behind the attempts to frame him as he had pursued certain cases against the IUML leader.

"This is part of the revenge being wreaked by Kunhalikutty for my legal battles against him," the 88-year-old leader said, reacting to the government's plans to seek the Governor's sanction to file chargesheet against him.

Rebutting the CPI-M leader's charge against the IUML leader, Chandy told reporters "it is not our policy to take vengeful action against anybody nor do we protect anybody."

Asked if the cabinet meeting had taken a decision to seek Governor's sanction to prosecute Achuthanandan, who is the leader of the opposition in the assembly, Chandy said "it is not for the government to take such a decision but it is for the competent authorities to move in accordance with due procedures in such matters."

The case against Achuthanandan pertains to alleged violation of norms while allotting a piece of land to T K Soman, an ex-serviceman and his relative, in Kasaragod district when he was Chief Minister heading the previous LDF ministry.

Maintaining that he would face the concerted moves against him boldly, Achuthanandan also accused Chandy of backing the IUML leader's "vengeful designs."

Achuthanandan was apparently alluding to the "ice cream parlour" sex scam case he had been pursuing for long.

The nearly 15-year-old-year case pertains to the use of an ice cream parlour in Kozhikode as a front for sexual exploitation of women. Though Kunhalikutty's name had often come up in connection with the scam, he had never figured as an accused in the case.

However, Achuthanandan had approached the court seeking re-investigation of the case against the backdrop of certain allegations made by a relative of Kunhalikutty some time back.