Lok Ayukta seeks all records on bar bribe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Lok Ayukta has directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to produce all documents about the quick verification (QV) of the bar bribery allegations against excise minister K Babu.

The QV report and copies of any documents seized by the vigilance in this connection should be submitted.

Statement given by bar owner Biju Ramesh’s driver Ambili in relation to the probe against finance minister K. M. Mani should also be produced.

The case will be considered again on October 15. The petitioner Khalid Mundappilly alleged that the QV was an eyewash to save Mr Babu.

The petitioner also sought a probe in the bar bribery case under the direct supervision of the Lok Ayukta. AAP leader Ajit Joy appeared for the petitioner.

Mr Ramesh had alleged in his statement to the Vigilance that he took a bribe of '10 crore offering to reduce licence fee for bar hotels. Subsequently, the VACB carried out a QV.

The Lok Ayukta directive came a day after the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance) posted for orders on October 29 a set of petitions seeking further probe into the bar bribery case against Mr Mani.