KOCHI: Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday deposed before the commission probing the solar scam case that the government never interfered in the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that probed the criminal aspects of the scam.
According to Chandy, the SIT was formed after he gave an assurance in the Kerala Assembly that the cases would be probed effectively.
“The UDF Government had not referred investigation of the solar scam to the CBI. Such a demand did not come even from the Opposition parties,” said Chandy, and denied allegations that the SIT was formed to prevent the CBI from taking over the case, and to save him.
Chandy also dismissed allegations that A Hemachandran, who headed the SIT, was promoted as DGP to keep him away from the Solar cases.
Four IPS officers, including Hemachandran, were promoted to the post of ex-cadre DGP during the UDF tenure. “The SIT carried out the probe independently, and the officers enjoyed total freedom to take decisions on the cases. The investigation of all solar cases were carried out in an effective manner, and the accused in two cases were convicted,” it was submitted.