Kozhikode: Activists of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) stormed the venue of the Kozhikode Revenue District Arts Festival on Saturday alleging bribery in the fixing of top prizes in some competitions.
The protesters, who tried to barge into the office of the Deputy Director of Education, complained that the Education Department had not reviewed the “paid results” even after the leakage of an audio clip with details of the financial deals.
“We took up the protest after noticing irregularities in the judgment of a classical dance competition. The leaked audio clip had all the primary details regarding the financial deals ahead of fixing the first prize,” said V.P. Dulkifil, a KSU leader who was at the forefront of the agitation. He alleged that around Rs.1 lakh was offered to the judging panel to declare a pre-fixed candidate the winner.
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Talks with official
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Education Gireesh Cholayil held discussions with KSU leaders and expressed willingness to conduct a quick inquiry into the matter. He also conveyed to them the decision of the department to lodge a formal complaint with the police on the basis of the revelations.
KSU leaders claimed that the DDE had promised to expose the suspected foul play. The results of the competition will also be reviewed shortly on the basis of the investigation report, they said.
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