The Kerala government has ordered a vigilance inquiry into a 2006 case involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The case relates to the suicide of a Malaysian engineer and alleged irregularities.
CEC ज्ञानेश कुमार पर कसता शिकंजा, ख़ुदकुशी से जुड़े 20 साल पुराने मामले में विजिलेंस जांच के आदेश, केरल सरकार ने दिए निर्देशr
- The Kerala government has ordered a Vigilance inquiry into a 2006 case involving Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
- This case dates back to the time when Gyanesh Kumar was serving as the Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Kerala.
- The matter relates to the suicide of Lee See Been—a Malaysian engineer associated with the PATI-BEL consortium—and allegations of irregularities.
- Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has also directed an investigation into alleged external influence on the probe.
A nearly 20-year-old case involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has resurfaced in Kerala. State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has ordered a Vigilance inquiry into this 2006 case. At that time, Gyanesh Kumar was the Secretary of the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD). The case concerns the suicide of Malaysian civil engineer Lee See Been and allegations of irregularities linked to the Kerala State Transport Project.
What is this 2006 case about?
According to the news agency ANI, Lee See Been was associated with the PATI-BEL consortium at the time. This consortium was involved in the upgradation of MC Road under the Kerala State Transport Project. It was reported that Gyanesh Kumar’s name appeared in an alleged suicide note left by Lee See Been. Subsequently, a Vigilance inquiry into the matter was initiated.
However, the veracity of these allegations and the actual circumstances of the events from that time can only be clarified through an investigation. The earlier probe did not progress, and the matter was eventually shelved. Recent reports indicate that questions had also been raised regarding several files and documents related to the old case.
Allegations of external influence to be investigated
The Kerala government has now also ordered an investigation into whether there was any pressure from external individuals or influential parties on the initial inquiry conducted in 2006. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has directed the Vigilance Department to ascertain whether the course of the investigation was influenced or if the original investigative process was obstructed in any way.
Case back in the spotlight amidst the SIR controversy
This old case involving Gyanesh Kumar has resurfaced at a time when opposition parties are questioning the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The Kerala Home Department had previously sought records related to the 2006 Vigilance inquiry. Now, with the Home Minister ordering a Vigilance probe, the matter has once again become a subject of public discussion. Election campaigns and elections.
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