Another scam hits Kerala CM Oommen Chandy’s office

KOCHI: Even before the solar panel scam that nearly claimed the Congressled United Democratic Front government in Kerala has died down completely, the chief minister’s office has found itself embroiled in yet another controversy.

The arrest and interrogation of a main accused—Fayaz PK of Thalassery in North Kerala—in a gold smuggling racket has revealed his alleged links to officials at chief minister Oommen Chandy’s office, including Jikkumon Jacob, who was ousted after the solar panel scam erupted.

Customs officials at Cochin International Airport arrested two women who tried to smuggle about 20 kg of gold hidden in their jackets under their burqas. They revealed the name of Fayaz, who was arrested in New Delhi while trying to escape to Dubai.

The chief minister’s office was the focus of media attention after the solar panel scam broke and two staff members, Tenny Joppan and Jacob, were dismissed. Chief minister Chandy said the charges against his office would be investigated, but no one would be victimised.

However, the government’s chief whip P C George said the matter should be investigated by the National Investigation Agency. Fayaz’s connection with local Congress men, the film industry and others are also being probed.