Deal with Godman lands former Kerala Ministers in trouble

In a huge embarrassment for the United Democratic Front (UDF), which is yet to come to terms with the poll debacle, the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court has slapped cases against former Ministers PK Kunjalikkutty and Adoor Prakash in the controversial land allotment for a company allegedly floated by shady Godman Santhosh Madhavan. The Vigilance judge rejected the quick verification report filed by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) which concluded that there was no need to take cases against the ministers. The court also ordered an investigation against the Godman as well. 

Muslim League's Kunjalikkutty, who was the Industries Minister in the Oommen Chandy Ministry, is presently the Deputy Leader of Opposition in the new Assembly. Adoor Prakash, the former Revenue Minister from Congress has been re-elected to Kerala Assembly from Konni. 

An order issued by the former UDF government allowing the company owned by Madhavan 116 acres of revenue surplus land had kicked up a controversy at the fag end of the regime. The decision to that effect was taken at the Oommen Chandy cabinet just a day before the announcement of the Assembly elections. 

Also read: Exposed! Chandy, Jiji Thomson pressed for controversial projects

The order on 2 March 2016 gave exemption to the private company floated by Santhosh Madhavan and others from land ceiling rules under Kerala Land Reforms Act. A good part of the land that falls in Puthenvelikkara in Paravur Madathumpadi village in Kodungallur is paddy land and come under the act to conserve the wetlands and paddy in the state.    

When the order elicited sharp reactions from the Opposition and even from within the Congress, the government quickly scrapped it. But the latest intervention by the Vigilance court makes it clear that even though the order was revoked, the case will still stand as there was an attempt to violate rules and to strike a corrupt deal.   

Many land allotment orders issued by the UDF government at the fag end of its regime had come under scanner.The new Left government assumed office last month has set up a cabinet sub committee to look into hundreds of controversial orders by the Oommen Chandy cabinet. 

Also read: Vigilance court orders quick verification against  Chandy, Minister Babu

Earlier, Thalassery Vigilance Court had ordered quick verification against Oommen Chandy and Former Minister K Babu in a petition alleging corruption in clearing trees from the site of the upcoming International Airport at Kannur. 

• santhosh madhavan land deal
• Vigilance case
• P K Kunhalikutty
• Adoor Prakash