Bar owners echo Biju Ramesh on bar bribery allegation issue
The two bar owners were among the 13 specified by Ramesh as those who had handed over Rs 1 cr to Mani
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-11-11 05:39 GMT
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau on Monday took the statements of two bar owners in connection with the quick verification into the bar bribery allegation.
According to sources, the statements of Kottayam-based bar owner Thankachan and Saju D. were recorded of Monday to cross check the statements of Kerala Bar Hotel Association working president Biju Ramesh regarding the payment of Rs 1 cr in three instalments to Finance Minister K.M.Mani.
They were learnt to have reiterated the versions of Ramesh. The VACB officials also asked different questions about the incident to check the veracity of Ramesh's statement. The two bar owners were among the 13 specified by Ramesh as those who had handed over Rs 1 cr to Mani. The VACB also summoned others mentioned in Ramesh's statement.
The statements of Ramesh’s driver and accountant were taken by VACB officials on Sunday. Certain documents in support of the allegation were also handed over to the Vigilance.
Meanwhile, the judicial first-class magistrate court-II here on Monday received a petition against Mani. The private petition was filed seeking action against Mani for taking bribe from bar owners. The case has been posted to November 13.