THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The factual report in the bar bribery case prepared by investigation officer R. Sukesan confirms that finance minister K. M. Mani had taken Rs. 25 lakh and deliberately delayed a Cabinet decision on bar licence.
It also suggests his prosecution. “The investigation officer is of the view that the evidence forthcoming in respect of acceptance of bribe of Rs. 15 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh respectively at Pala and Thiruvananthapuram on March 22, 2014 and April 2, 2014, by the accused (Mani) can attract provisions of Section 7, 13(1) r/w 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act," the factual report accessed by the media on Monday says.
While Section 7 deals with public servant taking gratification, Section 13 deals with their criminal misconduct which could attract imprisonment up to seven years.
The case relates to allegations raised by bar owner Biju Ramesh that Mr Mani accepted a bribe of Rs. 1 crore from bar owners.
With regard to the allegation that Mr Mani deliberately delayed the Cabinet decision, it says the meeting on March 26, 2014, deferred it for remarks of Mr Mani who is also the law minister.
The investigation officer came to the conclusion that he did it in order to compel the bar owners for illegal gratification. Excise minister K. Babu and then chief secretary E. K. Bharat Bhushan refused to divulge the reason for the cabinet decision citing privilege of Rules of Business.
Based on call record details of the bar owners and the minister and receipts of funds collected from bar owners in Kottayam district, the investigation officer concluded that the bar owners went inside Mani’s house with Rs. 15 lakh.
With regard to the allegation that Rs. 50 lakh was handed over at his residence in Palai on March 31, 2014, it says there was no solid evidence.
Statement of Mr Ramesh's driver Ambily and details of fund collection from bar owners led to the conclusion that Rs. 35 lakh was handed over to Mr Mani.
The reluctance of bar association leaders who allegedly paid the bribe and failure in giving convincing explanations for raising 'legal funds' from bar owners by association leaders were also cited as circumstantial evidence against the minister.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had filed the factual report at the Vigilance Special court considering the refer report.
