Keralam Initiates Probe Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar Over Bribery Allegations

The Keralam government has officially sanctioned a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) inquiry against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, stemming from serious bribery allegations linked to his tenure as the Public Works Department (PWD) secretary in 2006. This decision follows a fresh complaint filed by Sajan VO, a former contractor associated with the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP).

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala confirmed that the sanction was granted under section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, allowing the VACB to conduct a preliminary investigation into the allegations. Chennithala emphasized the gravity of the claims, stating, "The allegations are serious and warrant a detailed probe. The VACB director can decide the nature of the probe, including whether to register an FIR."

Sajan VO, who worked as a contractor on the KSTP project, alleges that Gyanesh Kumar demanded a ₹2 crore bribe from Lee See Been, the chief project officer of the Indo-Malaysian consortium firm PATI-BEL, in exchange for clearing outstanding bills amounting to ₹14 crore. The KSTP, funded by the World Bank, was intended to upgrade critical infrastructure, including the MC Road.

Sajan recounted his experience, stating, "In the initial few months, the payments were being made on time, and the project was running smoothly. But suddenly, the payments ceased. As contractors, we conveyed our complaints to Been and PATI-BEL officials. Been told me that four cheques amounting to ₹14 crore were sitting on the table of Gyanesh Kumar, then PWD state secretary, without being cleared."

The contractor further claimed that under pressure from Kumar, Been was forced to divert funds from another project in Bengaluru to settle the outstanding bills. "But when the bills continued to be withheld and the Bengaluru project got suspended, Been was summoned by his firm to Malaysia. He was under pressure," Sajan explained.

The situation escalated dramatically when Lee See Been died by suicide in a Kuala Lumpur park on November 11, 2006. Sajan revealed that Been had named Gyanesh Kumar in his suicide notes addressed to his wife and supervisor, indicating the immense pressure he faced regarding the project and the alleged bribery.

Following Been's death, Kumar was removed from his position as PWD secretary, and a vigilance probe was initiated. However, Sajan alleges that the investigation was sabotaged to exonerate Kumar, who subsequently secured a position in the Union government in Delhi.

Sajan has expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the VACB, stating, "I am ready to provide all the evidence I have to the Vigilance team. The officers should check records of the 2006 probe and documents and bills of the KSTP project." His insistence on transparency highlights the need for accountability in public office, especially in cases involving significant public funds.

The VACB's inquiry will focus on the alleged irregularities associated with the KSTP, which has been a point of contention since its inception. The project, designed to improve transportation infrastructure in Kerala, has faced scrutiny over its management and execution.

The allegations against Gyanesh Kumar raise critical questions about governance and the integrity of public officials. As the Chief Election Commissioner, Kumar holds a pivotal role in ensuring free and fair elections in India. The ongoing investigation could have far-reaching implications for his position and the public's trust in the electoral process.

Home Minister Chennithala's decision to sanction the inquiry reflects a commitment to addressing corruption within the state's governance framework. "We must ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions, especially when it involves the misuse of power and public funds," he stated.

As the VACB prepares to delve into the allegations, the outcome of this inquiry will be closely monitored by both the public and political analysts. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public service, particularly in a democratic society.

The investigation into Gyanesh Kumar's alleged misconduct is a significant development in Kerala's political landscape, and its findings could reshape the narrative surrounding corruption in public office.