Keralam Probes Alleged Corruption In 2006 Road Project During Gyanesh Kumar’s Tenure
Vigilance probe revisits corruption allegations surrounding a 2006 KSTP project.
The Kerala government has ordered a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) investigation into alleged irregularities linked to a 2006 road project involving Gyanesh Kumar, who is now the Chief Election Commissioner. Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala directed the inquiry after examining a complaint concerning Kumar’s tenure as the state Public Works Department secretary. The allegations relate to the Kerala State Transport Project and the upgradation of MC Road.
The case is also connected to the death of Malaysian civil engineer Lee See Been, who was associated with the PATI-BEL consortium involved in the project. According to officials and reports cited by the Kerala government, Been had left behind a note that reportedly mentioned Kumar, who was serving as PWD secretary at the time. The circumstances surrounding the engineer’s death and the allegations raised in connection with the road project are now part of the renewed inquiry.
The project involved the improvement of MC Road under the Kerala State Transport Project, with PATI-BEL working on the contract. The consortium had raised concerns during the project over delays and other issues, while allegations of irregularities involving officials were also raised at the time. A preliminary vigilance inquiry was initiated in 2006, but it did not reach a final conclusion after Kumar was transferred out of the PWD and subsequently moved to a central deputation.
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Chennithala has directed the Vigilance Director to examine the allegations of external influence surrounding the earlier inquiry and take appropriate action based on the findings. The Home Department has also sought the files relating to the 2006 preliminary investigation. The latest decision followed a complaint submitted by Congress leader Malayinkeezhu Venugopal, with the Home Minister stating that the allegations warranted a detailed examination.
The renewed investigation comes nearly two decades after the original controversy and while Kumar is serving as the country's Chief Election Commissioner. The present inquiry is intended to establish whether there were irregularities in the handling of the road project and whether the earlier investigation was affected by external pressure. The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the decision to reopen the matter does not by itself establish wrongdoing by Kumar.
The case has also revived discussion in Kerala over the handling of the MC Road project and the circumstances surrounding the earlier vigilance proceedings. Authorities are expected to examine the available records and other evidence before determining whether further legal action is warranted. The outcome of the VACB investigation will determine the findings regarding the allegations dating back to Kumar’s tenure in the state PWD.
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