Headlines
Action against those involved in Kerala bar scam: Congress
Thiruvananthapuram, April 24
The Congress said
on Friday that action would be taken against those who were involved in
the Kerala bar scam, if the probe comes out with a report having
evidence against them.
State Congress president V.M. Sudheeran
told reporters in Kozhikode that without any evidence, no action could
be taken in the case.
"The vigilance probes the bar scam. No
evidence has come out against anyone till now. No action can be taken
based on allegations. If there is evidence, tough action both legal and
political will be taken against them," said Sudheeran.
Leader of
Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan told reporters here on Friday that it was
strange that no action has been taken against State Excise Minister K.
Babu after his name appeared in the 30-page statement given by bar owner
Biju Ramesh that he was given Rs.10 crore as bribe to reduce the annual
bar license fee.
On March 30, Ramesh appeared before a magistrate and gave a statement under Section 164.
In
October 2014, Ramesh revealed that Rs.1 crore was given to Finance
Minister K.M. Mani. The state government has ordered a probe by the
vigilance department and a case was registered against Mani.
Ramesh said that Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar also received money.
"I
have already taken legal actions against Ramesh for his statement. As
the high court is closed, I am trying to get the petition filed in other
court. I am not going to run away. I will soon meet you all
(reporters)," said Babu.
The Kerala Lok Ayukta directed the
vigilance department to file a report on what action has been taken
against those named in the bar scam before June 22.
The Lok
Ayukta said the vigilance department can go ahead but before registering
a case, it has to ensure all the Supreme Court guidelines are followed.
Senior
Congress leader K. Sudhakaran said: "Allegations have to be
substantiated with evidences, if there is nothing in it and no case can
be registered."