Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has given the nod to the vigilance for prosecuting former SIDCO MD Saji Basheer in the case of the illegal sand sale worth crores of rupees from the land of the industries department in Menamk-ulam while in office.
The delay in sanction even six months after the vigilance wrote to the government had kicked up a row.
There are six defendants in the case including him - assistant general manager Ajith Kumar, Sanjay Goel, director, SOM Projects, New Delhi, and its representative Nava Chandra Garg; and the firm’s sub-contractors, Muhammad Sadiq Hussain and Noohu Khan.
Mr Basheer, appointed as KELPALM MD in 2018, was removed under pressure following corruption charges.
The vigilance found corruption of Rs 11 crore in the excess excavation of sand from the proposed telecom city by Som Projects. While the agreement was to remove 1.29 lakh cubic metres of sand and level the plot by refilling it with 30 per cent red soil, it removed 38,364 cubic metres in excess.
The Vigilance registered the case on December 20, 2014, after receiving prima facie evidence. As per the FIR, on March 17, 2010, SIDCO contracted Som group and on the same day, it “suspiciously” sub-contracted its work, pointing to conspiracy and the possible involvement of nominees (benamis) of the accused.
