VACB questions Ebrahim Kunju in flyover case

Kochi: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau team probing the alleged corruption linked to the construction of Palarivattom flyover questioned former public works minister (PWD) V.K. Ebrahim Kunju here  on Thursday. The questioning lasted for over two hours.

Speaking to reporters after the questioning, the former minister said he had submitted honest answers to the questions. Stating that he had no role in the alleged corruption connected with flyover Mr. Kunju said the allegations against him are politically motivated. Mr. Kunju, however, conceded that lapses have taken place in the construction of the flyover and those responsible for the lapses should be pinned down by the probe agencies.        

The work for the flyover was handed to Roads and Bridged Development Corporation Kerala (RBDCK) during the time of the previous Congress-led UDF regime. Originally, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) was scheduled to construct the flyover.   

Sources in th Vigilance said the questioning of the former minister was part of the preliminary investigation. The Vigilance has registered a case against 17 persons including Sumeet Goyal, managing director of RDS Projects, the contractor entrusted with the implementation of the work. The Vigilance team has also informed the Muvattapuzha vigilance court on the need to question a few persons connected with the corruption in the flyover construction.

The Palarivattom flyover in one of the busiest stretches of National Highway bypasses in Kochi remained closed for the past three months following structural flaws. Experts’ teams headed by DMRC principal advisor E Sreedharan and from Chennai IIT have suggested a series steps to restore the flyover before it being opened for the traffic.