Kerala Government Launches Probe into 2006 Contractor Suicide
A vigilance inquiry has been initiated into the 2006 suicide of Malaysian contractor Lee See Been, linked to alleged corruption during Gyanesh Kumar's tenure.
Kerala's Home Minister has ordered a vigilance inquiry into the 2006 suicide of contractor Lee See Been.
The inquiry follows allegations of corruption involving Gyanesh Kumar, the former PWD secretary.
Opposition protests against Kumar have intensified, demanding his resignation amid electoral roll controversies.
Kerala's Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has announced a vigilance inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the 2006 suicide of Malaysian contractor Lee See Been. This decision comes in light of allegations of corruption related to the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) during the tenure of Gyanesh Kumar, who was the Public Works Department (PWD) secretary at that time.
The inquiry was prompted by a complaint from Malayankeezhu Venugopal, who accused Kumar of criminal misconduct in awarding public works contracts. Venugopal's complaint also raised concerns about the handling of Lee's death, suggesting that previous investigations were prematurely closed and did not adequately address the allegations made in Lee's suicide note, which reportedly implicated Kumar and mentioned corruption and harassment by PWD officials.
Chennithala has instructed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine the next steps regarding Kumar. The Home Minister emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into the external influences surrounding the case, as stated by his office. Gyanesh Kumar, a Kerala-cadre IAS officer, has held various significant positions in the state before moving to central ministries.
Lee See Been, who was the chief project manager of PATI-BEL, an Indo-Malaysian joint venture, died by suicide in Kuala Lumpur in 2006. His death led to an initial Vigilance probe, but the investigation stalled after Kumar's transfer to the Defence Ministry. The recent developments occur amidst mounting protests from opposition parties, including Congress, demanding Kumar's resignation over issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Protests have escalated, with around 700 individuals detained in Delhi, including prominent leaders from various parties. Demonstrations have also taken place in Mumbai, despite police denying permission. The opposition is intensifying its campaign against Kumar, with a series of protests planned, including a significant rally on November 1 in New Delhi. The situation continues to evolve as the inquiry progresses and public pressure mounts for accountability regarding the allegations against Kumar.
