Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has launched a quick verification against former finance minister K.M. Mani in connection with the allegations of two corruption cases to the tune of Rs 215 crore. While corruption of Rs 150 crore was alleged in granting tax relaxations to various ayurvedic cosmetic products, another one of Rs 65 crore was alleged in granting tax exemption in the broiler chicken import.
Vigilance director Jacob Thomas ordered the quick verification on the basis of a petition filed by former Kerala Congress activist Noble Mathew, who is now with the BJP. According to the petitioner, undue tax reduction was allowed to ayurvedic cosmetic products by incorporating concessions in the budget. By reducing the tax from 12.5 percent to four percent, the state exchequer suffered a loss of Rs 150 crore in tax collection.
Another allegation was that a Rs 65-crore fine imposed on a Thrissur-based broiler chicken firm for tax evasion was nullified with the improper intervention of Mr. Mani. Even as the court rejected the firm's plea against the fine, Mr. Mani allegedly gave a temporary stay and even appointed a new deputy commissioner who considered an appeal filed by the firm and waived the fine.
