Vigilance not to proceed with K M Mani case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has informed Inquiry Commissioner and Special Court (Vigilance) here that there was no fresh evidence that warrants any further investigation into the bar bribery case against former finance minister K.M. Mani. But it clarified that a further probe may be conducted in case any fresh evidence emerges.

It was while considering a host of objection petitions against the Vigilance further investigation report to close the case that Vigilance legal advisor C.C. Augustine explained the stand on Tuesday. Though Mr A. Badarudeen was recently posted as the Vigilance court judge, a formal notification in this regard was yet to be issued. Hence a formal hearing was not possible on Tuesday. The case was posted to August 16 for detailed hearing.

The new judge enquired about the status of the case. When advocate Ajith Joy, who appeared for AAP leader Sarah Joseph, pointed out media reports that the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau was planning to conduct further probe, the Vigilance legal advisor informed the court that so far no materials had been produced by the investigation officer in this regard. He further clarified that the VACB was not averse towards conducting further investigation in case any fresh evidence surfaces.

A set of petitions filed against the further investigation report of the VACB exonerating Mr. Mani is pending before the court. CPM leader V.S. Achuthanandanan, LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan, Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunilkumar and AAP leader Sara Joseph were among those who filed objections against VACB's further investigation report. Though Vigilance deputy director of prosecution G. Saseendran earlier appeared for the Vigilance in the case, Vigilance director Jacob Thomas has directed Mr Augustine to appear as Mr Saseendran was appointed by the previous UDF government.