Kerala Home Minister Confirms Ongoing Investigation into Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

Thiruvananthapuram, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Kerala’s Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced in the assembly on Wednesday that the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) is actively investigating allegations linked to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. These allegations date back nearly two decades. Chennithala emphasized that “crime never ends,” and assured that the findings of the investigation will be made public once completed.

“The incident occurred 20 years ago, but crime is timeless,” he stated. He acknowledged that the investigation has commenced and involves multiple incidents, indicating that it will take time to conclude. “The investigation will proceed, examining all aspects, and results will be announced upon completion,” he added.

Chennithala’s remarks were in response to questions raised by A.K.M. Ashraf, a legislator from the ruling Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The investigation pertains to allegations from Kumar’s tenure as Secretary of the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD).

A fresh inquiry was ordered on October 4 following a petition from Congress leader Malayinkizhuthu Venugopal. This investigation aims to determine whether external pressures influenced an initial vigilance probe that began in 2006.

The case is connected to the death of Malaysian civil engineer Lee See Bin, who died by suicide in Kuala Lumpur in November 2006. Lee was associated with the PATI-BEL consortium, which was involved in the upgrade of the MC Road under the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP).

The state’s home department has requested records related to the previous vigilance investigation. The new inquiry will also assess how the initial investigation was conducted and whether it was swayed by outside influences.

Chennithala instructed the Vigilance Director last week to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations and to take appropriate action based on the findings. He underscored the seriousness of claims regarding external interference, highlighting the need for an in-depth examination.

This investigation comes at a time when Congress leaders are protesting against Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi amid various controversies. However, the ongoing inquiry in Kerala is specifically related to allegations from his time as a state officer nearly two decades ago.

It is important to note that references to Kumar in an alleged suicide note or claims of interference in the initial investigation do not, in themselves, confirm any wrongdoing. The purpose of the new inquiry is to ascertain whether the earlier investigative process was compromised and if further actions are warranted.

According to the state government, all aspects will be considered during the investigation, and results will be disclosed once the process is finalized.