Panayapally councillor T K Babu stands at the risk of being disqualified by the Election Commission with the commission taking into file a complaint of alleged corruption against Babu.
Former councillor V J Hyacinth, Derson Antony and P R Babulal have filed a complaint before the Commission alleging corruption by the Panayapally councillor. They have also filed a complaint before the Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau.
“Babu collected money from the Kochi Corporation for drain-cleaning work at Koovapadam, Shanti Nagar residential colony and Pallam line but did not complete the work,” said Hyacinth. He added that the councillor looted money from the corporation claiming new drains have been opened in his legislative areas where, in reality, nothing was done.
The complaint before the Election Commission is for violating section 143 under the Municipality Act. The act says the Commission should be informed through the Municipality Joint Director if an elected representative acquires any moveable or immovable assets of more than Rs 10,000.
“The act was violated by the councillor. During his term of office, he brought a bike and renovated his house spending a huge amount but did not mention this before the commission,” said Hyacinth. He said the councillor could not amass such wealth without corruption.
However, Babu has rubbished all allegations and blamed the bureaucrats and contractors for not completing drainage cleaning. “It is the responsibility of the contractors to finish the work within the stipulated time and the bureaucrats are supposed to ensure it, not me,” said Babu.