THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The true origin of a press release, which landed the Excise Department in the soup earlier this month, is reportedly yet to be ascertained.The press release, purportedly released by the department was sharply critical of Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala in the brewery allocation scandal.
After the Congress moved a breach of privilege notice against here, Additional Chief Secretary (Taxes) Asha Thomas lodged a complaint with the Home Secretary. Reportedly, the Home Department has not succeeded in tracing the ‘culprit.’
Reportedly, the Deputy Secretary (Taxes) who conducted a departmental inquiry has ascertained that the press release, which was used by a section of the media, did not originate in the department.
When contacted, Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan’s office also claimed that no such statement was officially released.
After Chennithala had questioned the propriety of government officers publicly replying to charges levelled by the Opposition Leader who holds Cabinet rank, K C Joseph MLA had issued a breach of privilege notice against the Additional Chief Secretary.She, subsequently, had lodged a complaint with the Home Secretary seeking an investigation.