Solar scam: Kerala govt to register vigilance case against former CM Oommen Chandy

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the solar scam inquiry commission has found former CM Oommen Chandy and his office to be involved in the multi-crore solar scam in the state. The government has decided to register a vigilance case against the former CM.

A criminal case will also be filed against former Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.

Addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram, the CM Vijayan said, "A criminal case will be registered and fresh inquiry will be conducted under anti-corruption law".  

The commission was appointed after allegations of fraud worth crores of rupees were made against prime accused Saritha Nair and her accomplice Biju Radhakrishnan.
The duo allegedly duped people by offering solar panel solutions through advanced payments and used the names of political higher-ups, including that of former Chief Minster Oommen Chandy, to canvas business.
The CPI(M)-led LDF, then in opposition, had launched an agitation following reports of Saritha's links with the office of the chief minister.

Meanwhile, Chandy had maintained that the charges against him and his office were "politically motivated" and had denied any wrongdoing.

Set up in October, 2013, the commission had held 353 sittings, examined 214 witnesses and 972 documents.

(With Agency Inputs)