Chargesheet Filed against Vijayan in Graft Scam
In graft scam case, the CBI on Friday filed its first chargesheet against 11 people, including CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan.
Former CPM Kerala secretary, Vijayan is accused of doling out contracts of renovation of 3 hydro electric power projects to a Canadian firm when he was the power minister 12 years ago.
Vijayan has been charged under IPC sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) and section 13 (1) and 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act.
The names of the two accused Mathew Roy and V Rajagopal, both former Kerala State Electricity Board officials, have been deleted as both of them have died, CBI officials said.
On Sunday, Kerala Governor RS Gavai granted permission to the CBI to prosecute Vijayan.
It should noted that the Kerala unit of CPM has been divided on the issue, with one faction supporting Vijayan and the other headed by Chief Minister Achuthanandan opposing him.
Kerala Home Minster Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had earlier said that the Governor flouted rules by going against the Cabinet in the SNC Lavalin case.
“When the Cabinet decided after AG’s advice not to prosecute, in what capacity did the Governor change the Cabinet’s decision and allow prosecution? It is a serious constitutional issue,” said Balakrishnan.
In the last few days, the Kerala CPM leadership has been seeking support of the CPI in its fight to save Pinarayi Vijayan.
