Govt rejects CPI-M charge in bar bribery case

Thiruvananthapuram: The State government Saturday rejected CPI-M's charge that an attempt was on to scuttle the ongoing probe into the bar bribery case in which state Finance Minister K M Mani has been booked for alleged corruption by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

"CPI-M State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishan's allegation is baseless and made with a view to create a smoke screen in ahead of June 27 assembly by-poll in Aruvikara," Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told reporters here.

The government had not interfered in any manner in the investigation of the case, he said.

Vigilance was carrying out an "impartial" probe and its director, after completing procedures, would file report in the court soon, he added.

Earlier in the day, Balakrishnan alleged that attempt was on to sabotage the case as the charge sheet had not been filed against Mani in the case.

He also alleged that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was not allowing 'free functioning' of the Home department.

VACB had registered an FIR against Mani based on the charges of Kerala Bar Hotel Owners Association Working President Biju Ramesh that Mani had accepted bribe for decisions in favour of bar owners.