P.C. George, MLA, has demanded a high-level police inquiry headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP) into the agreement signed by the previous UDF government with the Adani Group for setting up the International Multi-purpose Deepwater Seaport project at Vizhinjam.
“Corruption is involved in handing over the upcoming seaport to the Adani Group for 60 years. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe will not help unearth the corruption as the Adani Group is close to those in power in the Union government,” Mr. George said in a letter to the Chief Minister.
At a press meet on Thursday, he lauded the decision of the LDF government to extend the term of C.N. Ramachandran Commission, constituted to look into the deal, and change its terms of reference.
Mr. George said a 2010 study had found that the port project was not feasible. Yet, global tenders were called in 2014. A report released on April 15, 2015, also found the project unviable and no company had came forward to bid for it. But, the empowered committee that met on May 7, 2015, decided to hand over the project to Adani Group.
As per the pact, of the ₹7,200 crore estimated, ₹5,000 will be invested by the Centre and State (62%). For the remaining 38%, State stood surety for Adani Group to take loan of ₹1,500 crore. The group’s investment is ₹700 crore.
