The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has finalised the template for the preliminary inquiry into the allegation that Excise Minister K. Babu had demanded and accepted bribe to roll back a proposed hike in annual bar licence fee last year.
Working president of the Kerala Bar Hotels Association Biju Ramesh had levelled the allegation in a court of law recently.
The inquiry is to quickly verify whether or not Mr. Ramesh’s statement revealed a cognizable offence. It would not dwell on whether or not the allegations were true or false. The process would entail recording and cross-checking the statements of all parties involved, including that of the Minister.
Investigators said they would verify the mobile phone usage history of the parties involved in the controversy to confirm or negate their individual presence at the scene and time of the alleged offences.
Bank accounts, lockers and history of cash withdrawals and deposits, if any, would be verified.
The investigators would seek the Income Tax statements of the parties and check whether or not any of them have acquired or sold assets recently or made significant cash or gold deposits in their known bank accounts. The Association’s accounts, minutes of meetings and books would be verified.
Mr. Ramesh had quoted the names of a few members of the Association who were allegedly present at the pre-budget meeting during which the purported demand for Rs.10-crore bribe was made. He had also named the persons who received the alleged bribe paid to them in several instalments and at different locations.
The information collected during the inquiry would be recorded irrespective of whether the process resulted in the registration of a case or not. The complainant would be informed of the outcome of the inquiry with reasons.
VS demand
The State government has set a 45-day deadline for the VACB to complete the preliminary inquiry. Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan has denounced it as a ruse to give time to the suspects to cover their tracks by intimidating and bribing key witnesses. He demanded the agency complete the verification in 15 days.
Rumours scotched
Meanwhile, the VACB scotched rumours that Additional Director General of Police Alexander Jacob, who is in charge of the Central Range, had recused himself from overseeing preliminary inquiry.
The Kochi unit, which is spearheading the probe, comes under the Central Range.
Probe from Monday
Staff Reporter writes from Kochi: With the investigative officer in possession of files received from the Vigilance Directorate, the quick verification is likely to be set in motion from Monday.
The initial steps in this direction were taken by K.M. Antony, SP, Vigilance, Ernakulam Range, and investigative officer M.N. Ramesh, Dy.SP, Ernakulam unit, at a meeting in Kochi on Saturday. It was also decided to enlist more officers in the investigation team.
It will not dwell on whether or not the allegations were true or false
Investigators will verify mobile phone usage history of the parties involved
