Palarivattom scam: HC orders probe into intimidation complaint by petitioner

Kochi:  The High Court on Tuesday ordered probe by Vigilance IG in the complaint of intimidation filed by the petitioner who had sought arrest of former minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju allegedly involving in what became known as Palarivattom scam.

Justice Sunil Thomas directed the vigilance to submit the report before June 8.

The court had considered the petition by Kalamassery  native Girish Babu seeking vigilance probe into the alleged siphoning off money made from the scam and depositing the same in the account of the newspaper run by Muslim league during the period of currency ban.

In a sub petition the petitioner also sought the arrest of the former minister in order to thwart him from destroying the circumstantial evidence after the Vigilance had charged against him.

Following this, the court considered the sub petition filed by him pointing out that the former minister, his son and others were intimidating him as well as offering money.

He has written a letter regarding this to the judge during the lockdown period.

The court has ordered the Kalamassery police to take strict action in the complaint of intimidation.

The petitioner said in his plaint that he was offered rupees five lakh for withdrawing the petitions against the former minister.

Money was offered in the event of signing an agreement, and he has produced the copy of the agreement in the court.

The petition also said that certain people were stalking him to assault him physically.

A report by SP Thrikkakare region said that statement by the petitioner had been taken and directed the police to ensure protection to him if needed.