THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The controversial Pattoor land scam has once again come to the limelight with the Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau filing yet another report before the Lok Ayukta on Thursday.
The latest report by Vigilance ADGP Jacob Thomas states that the construction activities in the land are still going on. It also substantiates the allegations regarding the role played by executives at the highest level of governance in the alleged land fraud. The Lok Ayukta will consider the report on Friday.
Meanwhile, in another development, the Advocates Commission also filed its report before the Lok Ayukta.
The report pointed out that construction was carried out at an area from where pipelines were removed but there was no proof to show that it was government land. The Commission said that the Departments of Revenue and Water Resources had not handed over documents with regard to the land.
In a report filed last November, which is still pending with the court, the Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau had come out with evidence pointing to the possible involvement of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and former Chief Secretary E K Bharat Bhushan. Vigilance in its report highlighted portions in government files that indicated the role of the Chief Minister and the former Chief Secretary.
In the report, it was mentioned that the order giving permission to shift the pipelines for the realtor was given in violation of the Kerala Water Supplies and Sewerage Act.
Vigilance, in the report, has specifically mentioned paragraphs 41 to 60 of the revenue files that showed the involvement Chandy and Bhushan.
In the files, both of them had signed and stated that “as the land through which the pipeline passes through is not purambokke land, it appears just and proper that it should be shifted out of the realtor’s land so that it does not pose a hindrance”.
Moreover, the Chief Minister also jotted in the file that “since difference of opinion is seen in the report of the District Collector, VACB, Land Revenue Commissioner and the Revenue Secretary, the Chief Secretary may please examine the matter in detail and offer remarks to settle the issue”.