The Kerala Lok Ayukta on Friday issued notices to several government officials, including District Collector Biju Prabhakar, in the case regarding the alleged corruption and nepotism in the appropriation of public land and reorientation of a 55-year-old sewerage mainline to facilitate the construction of a high-end apartment complex and shopping mall at Pattoor in the capital city.
Respondents
Others named as respondents by the court include the builder T.S. Ashok; architect N. Mahesh; former District Collector K.N. Satheeshan; Deputy Collector, Land Revenue, Sheeba George; and Revenue Divisional Officer Jayaprakash.
Judges Pius C. Kuriakose and K.P. Balachandran said that “many public servants not arraigned in the complaint might have to be brought on record as it has been found (through a preliminary police inquiry) that they are guilty of maladministration, if not corruption, in various degrees and extents”.
(These might include Ministers and top bureaucrats in successive governments since 2009.)
It said the investigation report by Jacob Thomas, Additional Director, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, contained “startling findings and tumultuous recommendations.”
The extent of the public land forming part of the construction site will be 30.98 cents.
The court said any action “with regard to acceptance of (Mr. Jacob’s) findings will be only after hearing what the respondents have to say.”
Report awaited
The court was also awaiting its Advocate Commissioner’s report in the matter. It deemed the preliminary inquiry closed and admitted the case on file.
The court directed that the complaint be forwarded to the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister.
It directed the builder to submit before the court the names and addresses of the allottees of the different portions of the building.
The court will hear the case again on February 6.
Forward complaint to CM, says Revenue Minister
Advocate Commissioner’s report awaited
