THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala’s Vigilance department is all set to close its investigation into charges of nepotism against former sports and industries minister and CPM Central Committee member E P Jayarajan.
Sources said the case against him would not have stood in court as Jayarajan apparently had no financial gain from appointing his relatives to important posts in public sector units. However, Vigilance is yet to submit its report to the court. It is likely to reach the desk of Vigilance director Loknath Behera within a week.
Sources said the agency was advised by legal advisor C C Augustine that there was no real evidence against Jayarajan. Vigilance has informed the High Court that the case would not stand legal scrutiny.
The FIR filed in the case listed Jayarajan as first accused; P K Sudheer, Jayarajan's nephew and son of Kannur MP P K Sreemathi, as second accused; and additional chief secretary Paul Antony third.
The case is related to the appointment of Sudheer as managing director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE). Jayarajan was accused of misusing his official position to get him that job. The FIR said the appointment was made without considering the public interest and Jayarajan committed an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
It said Jayarajan, on September 30, 2016, issued an order appointing Sudheer as managing director of KSIE without obtaining a clearance from the Directorate of Vigilance. The investigating agency said other candidates shortlisted by the interview board were ignored.
Jayarajan was forced to resign from his post in October after the nepotism issue became a controversy within six months of the LDF coming to power.