KOTTAYAM: The Vigilance Court here on Tuesday, has ordered a probe into the alleged corruption in Horticorp and against K P Mohanan, the Agriculture Minister.
The probe was in response to a complaint by the Kerala State Horticulture Employees (KSHE) president L Sugunan. He alleged that corruption was rampant in the Horticorp (Kerala State Horticultural Products Development Corporation Ltd).
Vigilance Court special judge S Soman reportedly ordered probe on allegations that the minister had supported a move to hike the prices of Horticorp products. There was also a move to create an artificial scarcity, according to the complaints.Along with the minister, the role of five officials, including managing director V V Pushpangadan, former MD K Prathapan, assistant manager-in-charge Muhammed Anaz, accounts officer Maliny R and computer officer Geetha R will also be investigated.The Pathanamthitta Vigilance DySP has been assigned with the duty of leading the probe. The report has been asked to be submitted within two months.According to the complaints by Sugunan, the minister had misused his position to interfere with the daily activities of the Corporation.
The Corporation suffered a huge loss by procuring produce from wholesale agents at higher rates than in open markets, complained Sugunan. He also alleged that fake vouchers have been issued by the corporation. While recruitments had been made to key positions, the minister had shown favouritism, he complained.