Let government confirm encroachment: VS Achuthanandan

Thiruvananthapuram: Administrative Reforms Commission chairman V S Achuthanandan on Monday said it was for the government to authoritatively say whether transport minister Thomas Chan has encroached government land.
He was talking to media persons on the sidelines of a meeting here.

The veteran leader said: “We will have to wait till the government comes out with the final report on the issue.” He said the further action would depend on the outcome of  the report.

Soon after the allegations surfaced against Chandy, the administrative reform commission chairman had demanded detailed probe against the transport minister. He had sought detailed examination of the allegations and appropriate action on the matter .

It may be recalled that the Administrative Reforms Commission headed by him had urged the government to take stern action against all corrupt persons and encroachers. For this purpose it had also recommended the setting up of State Vigilance Commission on the lines of central vigilance commission.

Since the allegations against Chandy are serious, the CPM veteran does not want to give a clean chit ahead of the probe.

The CPM veteran has all along opposed the reclamation of paddy land, lake and water bodies and encroachments. In both the cases the allegations are related to encroachment and environment destruction.

Sources close to the veteran believes that the minister  should come clean on allegations of encroachment in Alappuzha district.