THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Solar scam accused Saritha S Nair has petitioned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to launch a probe by a special investigation team into the assaults she faced from UDF leaders, including former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Pinarayi has handed over the letter to state police chief Loknath Behera for examination.The letter, sent to the CM via a special messenger, repeats her claim Chandy was among the UDF leaders who abused her physically and financially. Saritha said her earlier statement Chandy was a ‘father figure’ for her was out of pressure from the former Chief Minister himself.
Saritha described as shocking the experience she had during a meeting with Oommen Chandy to discuss Team Solar’s business. Chandy asked for Rs 7 crore to get mandatory licences, including that from ANERT, for Team Solar.After bargaining, Biju Radhakrishnan, her co-accused, brought down the bribe amount and Rs 1.10 crore was handed over to Chandy in New Delhi. Rs 30 lakh was given through Chandy’s accomplice Thomas Kuruvilla.
Chandy who received money did not become accused in the case. Police and judiciary colluded as a fair probe would see several prominent figures being arraigned in the case, the letter stated.
Saritha blamed Biju Radhakrishnan for the fall of Team Solar. Money collected as investment from consumers and business partners of Team Solar Renewable Energy Solutions was diverted by Biju.
It was utilised for the personal needs of actor Shalu Menon and also for paying bribe to former ministers Aryadan Muhammed and A P Anil Kumar.Saritha said she had told special investigation team leader A Hemachandran about the exploitation by Ommen Chandy. But he refused to probe the angle claiming it was outside the ambit of the probe.