Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has reported to the court that there is no evidence at this stage to prosecute DGP (State Crime Records Bureau) N. Shanker Reddy and Vigilance Special Investigation Unit-I SP R. Sukesan on the allegation that they sabotaged the bar bribery probe against former finance minister K.M. Mani.
It was alleged that Mr Reddy, the then vigilance director, had given instructions to investigating officer Sukesan, with an ulterior intention to manipulate the probe outcome in favour of Mani.
The preliminary probe report submitted by VACB before enquiry commissioner and special court judge A Badarudeen here on Friday stated that though Mr Reddy had given certain instructions to Mr Sukesan, those could not be considered corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
However, the court observed there were apparent contradictions in VACB’s findings, about Mr Reddy giving unilateral directions to Mr Sukesan, but at the same time there was no evidence to prosecute the officer.
The court has granted time till February 7 for the petitioner to file objections, if any. The court on September 23 ordered a preliminary investigation on the basis of a petition filed by Mr Paichira Navaz.
VACB had earlier told the court that Mr Sukesan decided to refer (close) the case as he had to heed his superior officer, Mr Reddy’s instructions. This had then raised eyebrows as it implied that the junior officer had a different stand on the issue. Mr Reddy also moved the High Court alleging mischievous intentions behind VACB “factually incorrect” as if to suggest he had coerced Mr Sukesan into filing the closure report.
Mr Reddy maintained that he had only pointed out contradictions and sought clarification regarding the probe.
Mr Reddy had then accused Vigilance director Jacob Thomas of being prejudiced against him because he had reported to Lok Ayukta rules violation by Mr Thomas in taking up employment at TKM Institute of Management and earning Rs 8.47 lakh as remuneration in 2009 without government sanction.
