KTDC chief calls for probe into purchase of boat

Kerala Tourism Development Corporation today sought to probe whether there was any corruption in the purchase of the "Jalakanyaka" boat that capsized in Thekkady lake claiming 45 lives on September 30.
   
"If any official of the tourism department or KTDC had committed any irregularity, they should be included as accused in the case," corporation chairman Cherian Philip said.
  
Forensic experts had pointed out that the boat was built with inferior quality fibre and so the doubts in the minds of people had to be cleared through an investigation, he said.
  
On the allegation that KDTC did not have licence to operate boats in Thekkady lake, Philip said that as per a government notification issued in 1984, there was no need for licence for boats to operate in Thekkady lake. With the permission of Forest Department, KTDC was operating five boats in the lake for the past 43 years, he said.
  
Philip had yesterday told the police in his deposition that he had no role in the purchase of the boat. He had no responsibility in day-to-day work and his responsibility was limited to policy matters.
  
It was the tourism department that floated tender and awarded contract for the manufacture of the boat as per a government order, he had said.