Actor Mammootty and Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany will soon be quizzed in connection with the solar scam.
The duo had received cash awards at a function organised by Team Solar, the firm embroiled in the scam, last year in Kochi as part of World Environment Day celebrations. The actor and the civic administrator have admitted to receiving the prize from State Agriculture Minister K.P. Mohanan at the function.
While Mr. Chammany has offered to pay back the money he received by cheque from Team Solar, the actor has reportedly denied receiving anything more than the cash prize. However, Biju Radhakrishnan, key accused in the scam who is in police custody, reportedly stated to the police that the actor was paid Rs.10 lakh for attending the function.
The actor will be grilled regarding the alleged payment as investigators are trying to tally the money collected by the accused and spent on various persons and events.
Sources said, the actor would be questioned as he was given a considerable amount of money.
Mr. Chammany’s statement will be recorded and the money will be deposited in a court. Mr. Chammany was presented the Team Solar award for the energy efficient lighting system he announced in the annual budget of the Kochi Corporation.
He admitted that Saritha Nair, an accused in the scam, met him at his office for discussions on some solar projects being set up by the firm. He also went on record saying that the civic administration did not extend any help to the firm.
Meanwhile, investigators are attempting to quantify the money involved in the scam as rumours of money changing hands are flying thick and fast.
There are also allegations that a few politicians received money from the accused.
Investigators said they could obtain only a few pieces of evidence regarding such payments. Attempts would be made to retrieve the money and return it to the investors who were duped by the accused.
According to the latest assessment, the accused swindled over Rs.6 crore out of investors. Of this, Rs.1.30 crore was returned to some of the investors, sources said.
