Quick verification likely against E P Jayarajan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau may order a quick verification (QV) probe into alleged irregularities in appointments to top posts in public sector undertakings under the industries department. According to vigilance sources, at least a quick verification into the alleged appointments of relatives of CPM leader have become essential to uphold the credibility of the VACB at this point of time.

In the wake of Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and BJP general secretary K. Surendran petitioning the Vigilance, the vigilance director Jacob Thomas would be under pressure to take action. With the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself terming the ongoing controversies as a ‘serious issue’, the VACB can’t take a lenient view, sources pointed out. It is learnt that Mr Thomas has already held preliminary discussions with top officials in the government.

The vigilance director is also learnt to be seeking legal opinion on the matter, especially since the Opposition leader said that he would approach the court if the vigilance director did not order probe. The BJP leaders are also approaching the court with the demand. The vigilance director would be taking a final decision on the matter only after consulting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also holds the vigilance portfolio. Due to holidays for government offices till Wednesday, the decision could be postponed till Thursday, sources pointed out.