J Mercykutty Amma faces graft allegation

Thiruvananthapuram: V. D. Satheesan of the Congress raised corruption allegations to the tune of Rs 10 crore against cashew development minister J. Merykuttyamma in the Assembly on Thursday. The minister made it clear that she was ready to step down if allegations were proven. Mr Satheesan alleged that the Cashew Corporation incurred a loss of Rs 6.87 crore in importing 3,900 metric tonnes of cashew nut. A loss of Rs 3.47 crore was incurred while importing 2000 metric tonnes of cashew nut by Capex.

He said those heading these two public sector entities were tainted. Mr Satheesan alleged that the government had rejected the tender of the CB Commodities quoting US $ 1584 per metric tonne and Excel Scientific for supplying cashew for US$1689 per metric tonne. Later, cashew was purchased from Olam India for US$1858 per metric tonne within ten days. The money was given to the company without third party quality check. It was later found that there was more than 15 percent unusable cashew in the consignment.