The Vigilance and Special Court has dealt a major blow to the Oommen Chandy government, rejecting the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau's report seeking closure of the bar bribery charges against Finance Minister K.M. Mani.
The Court, which has been hearing the case for the past over three months, ordered that the investigation into the case should continue. Adding to the discomfiture of the State government, the court also ordered that Superintendent of Police (Vigilance) R. Sukesan, who was the original investigating officer in the case but was removed from the charge later following his reportedly adverse report against Mr. Mani, should be entrusted with the investigation.
In a related development, Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau director has put in his papers. Mr. Paul himself confirmed this to reporters barely an hour after the Court decision became known.
Mr. Chandy has not responded to the development.
But reacting to the court verdict, Mr. Mani said he would only be happy to see the continued investigation taking place. "Let the investigation continue so that I can come out cleaner," the Finance Minister told reporters.
The Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) has sought Mr. Mani's immediate resignation over the court verdict. Speaking to reporters at Kozhikode, Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan said Mr. Mani should quit if there was an iota of self-respect left in him.
Excise Minister K. Babu said the government would consider whether to go in appeal against the Vigilance Court decision.
