No proof to book Mani: ADGP

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister K.M. Mani can now heave a sigh of relief  with ADGP (Vigilance) Shaik Darvesh Saheb also recommending that there was no scope to prosecute him  with the evidence  collected by the investigation team in the bar bribery case.   Vigilance director Vinson M. Paul is likely to take a final decision on the case by next week.

According to Vigilance sources, the ADGP submitted his recommendations to the Vigilance director on Friday morning. He endorsed the view of Vigilance legal advisor C.C. Agustine that there was no clear evidence for the demand and acceptance of bribe. The ADGP had held discussions with the director before giving his report, it is learnt.

The Vigilance legal advisor may also seek legal opinion  from the additional director of prosecution (vigilance) G. Saseendran or any other legal expert before taking a final call.

If the Vigilance director also takes the view that there was no scope to prosecute Mr Mani, the VACB will file a closure report in the court.

Meanwhile, the VACB is yet to decide whether to register a case against Excise Minister K. Babu. A Vigilance team that conducted a quick verification into the bar bribery allegation against him  had suggested that there was no prima facie evidence for the charges.