The Vigilance department of Kerala Police on Thursday filed an FIR against finance minister KM Mani in the bar bribe case. The FIR was filed based on a preliminary inquiry and legal advice it obtained.
The Special Vigilance Cell of Poojappura in Thiruvananthapuram named Mani as accused No 1 in the case and a special investigation unit, headed by SP R Sukesan, will probe the charges.
Reacting to the development, Mani said a political conspiracy was behind the move. "The truth will come out in the investigation," the Kerala Congress supremo said. He categorically rejected the Opposition demand to resign.
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However, Congress leaders played it down saying filing of an FIR was "just a formal step taken to record statements of the people involved". Earlier cases were registered against three other ministers - Adoor Prakash (revenue) , MK Muneer (social welfare) and Anoop Jacob (food & civil supplies).
The Vigilance had received two pieces of legal advice on the matter, one favouring filing of a case, the other against it. According to a Supreme Court direction quick verification should be completed in 42 days and a detailed inquiry should be conducted after registering a case.
Biju Ramesh, working president of Kerala Bar Hotels Association, two months ago alleged the minister received bribes from bar owners for facilitating opening of the bars that were closed as part of the government's liquor policy.
In a local TV channel he said Mani had demanded Rs 5 crore for favouring the bar owners and his driver handed over Rs 1 crore as advance. The Vigilance has questioned Biju's s driver and the FIR is based on his revelations.
