Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Thursday said a detailed probe would be conducted into alleged irregularities in the purchase of bleaching powder by the state-run KMCSL, and that he had sought a Vigilance investigation into the matter.
Muraleedharan wrote to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala seeking a Vigilance probe after media reports alleged that Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd's (KMSCL) purchase of bleaching powder between March 11 and May 6 this year resulted in an unnecessary expenditure of Rs 7.32 crore.
Responding to reporters, Muraleedharan said the Vigilance will investigate the matter in detail and there was no reason to fear the probe.
He said the bleaching powder was procured during the Assembly election period.
"What was the hurry to purchase bleaching powder even after the results were out? Wouldn't it have been done after the new government takes charge? Did business have to be done in between? That is why there is suspicion," he said.
Regarding fresh revelations in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena T, Muraleedharan said the state government had no connection with the federal agency.
"Because the ED is actively investigating Congress ministers and Chief Ministers. How are we going to exert pressure using that ED? Let the law take its course; we are not offering an opinion on this case," he said.
Asked about the CPI(M)'s claim that the ED probe was political witch-hunting, Muraleedharan said there was no such aspect as the agency was under the Central government.
"We have never, at any point, agreed with the ED's investigation. So let this investigation take its course. We are not interfering here," he said.
The money laundering case relates to Keralam-based mining company Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company promoted by Veena and now defunct.
The ED, in a press release on Wednesday, alleged that it had seized some "handwritten" notes during searches at Veena's premises in May, which contained details of certain fund transfers to Dubai.
Regarding alleged irregularities in organising a football match featuring Lionel Messi-led Argentina team proposed during the previous LDF regime with the support of a sponsor, Muraleedharan said there would be a full-scale investigation.
"Anyone who made a profit by claiming that Messi will come to Keralam will be brought before the law. There should be no doubt about that," he said.
