Petition against graft' in CMDRF

Thiruvananthapuram: The Lok Ayukta on Monday received a petition alleging the misuse of the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

The petitioner, R.S. Sasikumar, a former UDF-nominated member of the Kerala University syndicate, sought the disqualification of the chief minister and ministers.

He listed out the assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the family of NCP leader Uzhavoor Vijayan, Rs 8.5 lakh to settle various personal liabilities of former Chengannur MLA K.K. Ramachandran Nair and Rs 20 lakh to the family of a police personnel killed in an accident while escorting CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan as instances of misuse of CMDRF.

According to the petitioner, the Cabinet decided to divert funds of the CMDRF for these purposes as out of the agenda matters, and it amounted to irregularity and favouritism. Hence the chief minister and ministers should be disqualified.

He also alleged that the additional financial assistance was allowed, apart from the assistance provided as per the norms.

Advocate George Poonthottam appeared for the petitioner. The petition was posted to Sept 27 for hearing on admitting it.