KOCHI: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala reiterated that neither he nor the government had interfered in the investigation into the bar bribery case, at any stage.
Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Chennithala said those who have complaints with regard to the matter could approach the Court.
“The Vigilance Department is functioning independently, and conducted the inquiry without any external pressure. We have not interfered in the affairs of the Department. It was the sole decision of Vigilance officials as to whom to question in connection with the case and against whom cases should be filed,” said the Home Minister, adding that the Opposition was raising unnecessary allegations to create a smokescreen. Earlier, Chennithala performed the state-level inauguration of the 62nd National Cooperative Week in Aluva.
“The cooperative movement in the country, the largest such movement in the world, has played an essential role in the country’s economic growth,” the minister said.
Minister for Khadi and Village Industries C N Balakrishnan and Excise Minister K Babu, among others, participated in the inaugural function. The week-long celebration will conclude on November 20.