Request to prosecute MK Muneer rejected

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has declined a request to prosecute social welfare minister M. K. Muneer in connection with the alleged irregularities in appointing Neela Gangadharan as Kerala State Child Rights Commission chairperson.

A city-based advocate had sought sanction to prosecute Muneer alleging forgery in the minutes of the selection committee meeting.

“There is not even an iota of evidence to show at least prima facie that any offence has been committed," said an order issued by additional chief secretary (vigilance) Nalini Netto. 

A copy of the minutes of the selection committee meeting obtained by the complainant under the RTI Act was signed only by one of the members in the selection committee, additional chief secretary K. M. Abraham. Later, another minutes signed by all committee members was sent to the complainant.

Based on this, the complainant alleged manipulation in minutes and sought sanction to prosecute the minister.

But on examination, it was found that the initial one was a draft copy and the information officer concerned sent it to the applicant due to an oversight.

Moreover, contents of both the copies were one and the same, said the order declining prosecution sanction.