KSU leader moves Kerala HC alleging bid to sabotage VACB probe into alleged benami deals of P.P. Divya

Kerala Students Union (KSU) State vice-president P. Muhammed Shammas has approached the Kerala High Court alleging attempts to sabotage a probe by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) into corruption and benami property transaction to the tune of crores of rupees allegedly committed by the former Kannur district panchayat president P.P. Divya.

Mr. Shammas, who had lodged a complaint with the VACB six month ago, said no action had been taken so far and even his statement had not been recorded.

The complaint was accompanied by documents and evidence relating to the alleged formation of a benami company by Ms. Divya, award of contract worth several crores to the company, and the acquisition of properties in the name of her husband.

He alleged that the probe was derailed following high-level political interference and pointed out that former Vigilance Director Yogesh Gupta, who had recommended registration of a case on the basis of the preliminary inquiry, was removed from the post and later denied appointment as State Police Chief.

According to Mr. Shammas, the inaction was part of a “planned move at the government level as per a party decision” to shield senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leaders and their relatives who could be implicated if a proper probe was conducted.