Bar bribery case: Vigilance on defensive

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as allegations over the fairness of the further investigation into the bar bribery case has been kicked off by bar owners, vigilance sources pooh-pooh allegations and are confident of countering those during the detailed hearing on February 16.

While bar owner and key witness in the case Biju Ramesh questioned the fairness of the probe, maintaining that investigation officer SP R Sukesan took his statements even after submitting the factual report, Vigilance sources clarified that it was to obtain clarifications sought by the vigilance director.

“It has been even mentioned in the final report that director N Shanker Reddy had sought clarifications on January 6 and also on January 11. Based on these, the final report was prepared and submitted before court on January 13. Moreover, even the factual report submitted by Sukesan too recommended that the case may be dropped” sources pointed out.

Notices were also sent to petitioners  including Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan and witness Kerala Bar Hotels Association working president Biju Ramesh to file objections if any.

According to Vigilance sources, after Mr. Sukesan submitted the factual report to the Vigilance director on January 5, the latter sought certain clarifications on January 6 with regard to the Rs. 10 lakh said to be handed over to association president Rajkumar on April 1, 2014 as Biju Ramesh’s legal fund.

While it was stated that the amount was taken from the cash counter of Hotel Park Rajadhani, the Vigilance has raised a suspicion regarding the availability of that much in the cash counter on a dry day. Moreover entries have shown that the amount was drawn on April 2 from Biju Ramesh’s personal account.

“Not only Biju Ramesh, clarifications from some others were also obtained after Mr. Sukesan submitted the factual report. This was to ensure that there were no lapses in the Vigilance’s conclusion to drop the case,” Vigilance sources said.