Solar scam: HC dismisses accused Saritha Nair's plea for inquiry into Oommen Chandy's involvement
The Kerala chief minister denied all allegations, saying those affected by the liquor ban in the state were trying to bring down his government.
The Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed solar scam co-accused Saritha Nair's petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s alleged involvement in the case, saying it was a politically-motivated move. In her plea, she had sought a state government direction to constitute a separate agency – the Central Bureau of Investigation, if possible – to re-investigate Chandy’s involvement in the scam, PTI reported.
Chandy on Monday reiterated his earlier claim that those affected by the liquor ban in Kerala were trying to defame the United Democratic Front government and were "leveling allegations against us". Chandy also said he is confident that the allegations will not affect the party's chances in upcoming elections in Kerala, ANI reported. "Congress and UDF will stand together against this," he added.Malayalam news channel Asianet reported on Sunday that it had a copy of a letter from Nair, in which she said Chandy had sexually abused her. The News Minute said Nair confirmed that she had written the letter, and that she wanted to send it to former Additional Judicial Magistrate, but was too “ashamed” to mention it to the investigative panel that deposed her regarding the scam earlier this year. The letter was written in 2013.
Chandy refuted all allegations and said it was part of a conspiracy to bring down his government. He also said it was suspicious timing, as it came right before the Kerala Assembly elections, which are scheduled for May 16. IANS said news of Nair’s letter came the day Chandy resolved a state crisis regarding allocation of seats in the upcoming polls.
Nair and her partner Biju Radhakrishnan were arrested in 2013 for duping investors of lakhs of rupees after promising to install solar panels for them or offering them shares in large solar farms. After receiving the money, they would disappear. Chandy and other Congress ministers were also accused of taking large amounts of money and sexual favours as part of the scam. In his defence, the chief minister had claimed the liquor lobby started this conspiracy after the state decided to close down bars in Kerala.