LDF walkouts over Vigilance move to close case against Kerala Finance Minister K M Mani

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition LDF today staged a walkout in Kerala Assembly in protest against denial of permission for adjournment motion seeking discussion over state Vigilance department's decision not to prosecute Finance Minister K M Mani in the bar bribery scam.

Replying to the notice for the motion, sought to be moved by the the CPI(M)-led LDF, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said Vigilance was yet to submit the probe report in court and the Opposition was seeking a debate on a matter based on media reports.

"The government cannot carry on the investigation based on rumours and media reports," he said.

Stating that the state government had never intervened at any time during the investigation, Chennithala said the probe was progressing in a free and fair manner.

Justifying the Vigilance's action seeking legal opinion in the bar scam from former Solicitor General L Nageswara Rao, Chennithala said earlier also the anti-corruption department has sought legal opinion in several cases.

The Kerala Home Minister also rejected Opposition allegation that the Vigilance chief altered the "factual report" prepared by the investigating officer and sought a new one.

Seeking notice for the adjournment motion, S Sharma (CPI-M) alleged that government had interfered in the probe and the investigating officers were denied chances to submit a free and fair probe report.

He also said it would not be "sub-judice" to discuss the matter in the House as the charge sheet in the case was not filed in the court.

Referring to media reports, he said Vigilance SP Sukesan had stated that there were more than 60 per cent evidence against Mani in the bar bribery case.