Selection process flouted in appointment of Jayarajan nephew in Kerala state firm

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday submitted before the Kerala High Court P K Sudheer, nephew of former minister E P Jayarajan, was appointed managing director, Kerala State Industria

KOCHI: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday submitted before the Kerala High Court P K Sudheer, nephew of former minister E P Jayarajan, was appointed managing director, Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd, by ignoring the recommendations of the selection committee and public interest.

Paul Antony, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, who was also the chairman of the selection committee colluded and conspired with Jayarajan and Sudheer and issued a government order in this regard, it said. The VACB said a quick verification report was prepared and submitted before the superintendent.

Later, a case was registered against Jayarajan, Sudheer and Paul Antony. Jayarajan was aware of the fact the selection process was entrusted with the Restructuring and Internal Audit Board (RIAB), which appointed 15 persons as MDs to various other public sector units.

But he asked to appoint Sudheer in KSIE in October 2016 by ignoring the selection list. For appointing Sudheer, no explanations were cited as to why he was chosen bypassing the list of competent candidates selected through a transparent process. “Hence, it amounts to nepotism and has resulted in the obtainment of the post to his nephew without any public interest.

Jayarajan being the minister abused his position and directed the appointment of his near relative ignoring the selection process,” said the VACB. According to it, second accused Sudheer had gained advantage of being appointed as the MD. Third accused Paul Antony was bound to carry out the order of the minister. He was also duty bound to bring to the notice of the minister any violation of rules of procedure in the matter of any decision to be taken by the minister. “The seniormost officer who has to protect the public interest failed to do so,” said the report. The VACB filed the report in response to a petition filed by Sudheer seeking to quash the FIR registered against him.

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