Why keep a corrupt officer in service: Kerala High Court

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Thursday asked crime branch to produce the evidence collected if any against Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) SP R. Sukeshan on his alleged misconduct during the investigation of the controversial bar bribery case.

“Is there any evidence against Mr Sukeshan to go ahead with the probe? How can the agency let him continue in the service if there is enough evidence?” the court orally asked. Justice P. Ubaid also asked crime branch to file a  progress report on the probe on Friday. The court issued the directives on a plea filed by former finance minister K.M. Mani in the case.

The allegations against the officer were that he had conducted an improper inquiry, and he revealed details of the investigation to witnesses. It was also alleged that he instigated the complainant, Kerala Bar Hotel Association working president Biju Ramesh, to raise allegations against four ministers. The court will consider the case on Friday.

Mr Mani sought a directive to the Thiruvananthapuram vigilance court to accept the final report filed by the VACB clearing him of all charges. He also pointed out that there had been a considerable delay on the part of the vigilance court in acting on the final report. He had argued that the crime branch is conducting an investigation against Mr Sukeshan and till the completion of the probe, the case against him should be stayed.