2 hrs ago

Kerala Government Expands Probes Into Pinarayi Vijayan Era

Kerala’s current government is investigating several decisions made by the previous government.

The investigations look at alleged problems in buying bleaching powder and Ayurvedic medicines.

Other investigations concern a proposed visit by Lionel Messi, the public-service examination system, and alleged police misconduct.

Officials are also examining claims that excise officers collected monthly payments from bar owners.

These investigations involve Vigilance teams and special investigation teams.

The previous government was led by Pinarayi Vijayan.

The current investigations are politically important because they keep attention on his years in office.

Investigators and courts will decide whether any wrongdoing actually occurred.

Key facts

Bleaching-powder inquiry: Vigilance will investigate an alleged Rs 7.32 crore procurement irregularity through the Kerala Medical Services Corporation.
Oushadhi inquiry: Vigilance will examine alleged purchase-related irregularities worth Rs 2.4 crore at Oushadhi.
Messi investigation: An SIT headed by ADGP P. Vijayan is investigating alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team.
PSC investigation: A separate SIT is examining alleged irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission examination system.
Alappuzha police inquiry: Another team is investigating allegations of police excesses in Alappuzha.
Excise allegations: A Vigilance inquiry is examining claims that excise officials collected monthly payments from bar owners in Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.
Political precedent: The approach recalls Pinarayi Vijayan’s 2016 scrutiny of Cabinet decisions made near the end of the Oommen Chandy government.

thehansindia.com · 3 hrs ago