Kerala CM initiates probe into CS role in land grabbing
Thiruvananthapuram: The government on Friday initiated a probe into Opposition Leader Mr V.S. Achuthanandan’s allegations that chief secretary E.K. Bharat Bhushan had favoured a Mumbai based builder in encroaching 17 cents of land belonging to Kerala Water Authority.
Chief minister Mr Oommen Chandy told mediapersons the revenue minister had been asked to look into the issue. He would examine the files concerning the matter and submit a report.
Finance minister K.M. Mani also said the government would probe the allegations raised by the opposition.
Earlier, Mathew T. Thomas of Janata Dal gave a notice for adjournment motion on the issue which was rejected by Speaker G. Karthikeyan. Speaking ahead of the Opposition walkout, Achuthanandan alleged that the chief secretary had flouted all norms for helping the real estate company. The company had acquired 17 cents of government land worth '8 crore in the area, he added.
Mr Achuthanandan also tabled the documents related to the matter.
He alleged that the revenue department had issued orders in favour of the company after getting the approval of the chief secretary. The sewage pipeline of the Kerala Water Authority passed through the encroached land.