Kozhikode: CPM leader and former industries minister Elamaram Karim, facing allegations of corruption in connection with the clearance given for iron ore mining in Kozhikode district, is embroiled in a land scam too. A police report submitted in the Kerala high court has indicated that Karim mediated between the parties involved in the dispute.
In a statement filed by the Koduvally circle inspector in the high court in response to a petition seeking a probe into the land deals of Karim’s relative T.P. Naushad, the police mentioned the possibility of the minister mediating between the accused and the victims in the case.
The report said that Karim had asked Moideenkutty Haji, a victim of Naushad, to form a partnership with the latter. Following the assurance, Moideenkutty entered into a partnership involving seven acres of his land and a crusher unit worth Rs 2.2 crore with Naushad. However, Naushad registered the deed only in his name leaving Modieenkutty high and dry.
Karim’s denial of any knowledge of the alleged land scam suffered a setback with video footages of him having discussions with some victims of the scam surfacing on television channels on Thursday. In the footage, the victims were seen pleading with Karim to intervene in the matter and settle the issue.
Karim was heard saying that they should approach the CPM district committee leadership to solve the problem. At one point, Karim was also heard saying that they should not try to “intimidate him.” George M. Thomas, former CPM MLA of Thiruvampady, is also seen having discussions with the victims in an effort to settle the row.
According to the complainants, Naushad had usurped their land in the guise of forming partnership firms for undertaking quarrying in the hilly areas of Kozhikode district. Naushad had cheated 16 persons in this fashion and the victims allege that it was done with the knowledge and support of the former industries minister.
