THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister K M Mani is likely to be quizzed again by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) team here on his alleged involvement in the sensational bar bribe scam. The interrogation is likely to be done again for further clarification on the statements given by the Minister before Vigilance Superintendent R Sukeshan at Kovalam guest house here the other day.
Speaking to Express, Sukeshan said that the Minister would be questioned again only if any further clarification was needed.
“It would be decided only after taking statements from others and if the situation demands. However,the statements given by Mani on Friday were clear and comprehensive,” Sukeshan said. Meanwhile, Mani told mediapersons that there was nothing unusual in the interrogation held on Friday night.“In fact, it was an opportunity for me to clear my stance and to express my innocence before the Vigilance,” he said.
Mani was quizzed for the second time on Friday night at Kovalam guest house after the Empowered Committee meeting of state Finance Ministers. Though Mani had reportedly refuted all the allegations and charges against him during the interrogation, the Vigilance however decided to file a chargesheet against him. Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that the investigation in the bar bribe scam was going on smoothly and Mani was interrogated as part of a routine procedure in the investigation.He also reiterated that Vigilance ADGP Jacob Thomas had not been removed from the investigating team,though he is not in the probe team investigating the bar bribe case against K M Mani.
Vigilance sources said that the investigation was in the final stage.
“The investigation has almost been completed. We are sure that the investigation would be completed within two weeks,” Sukeshan said.
‘George’s Statement will be Taken Soon’
The Vigilance officials said that the statements of former Chief Whip P C George MLA, would be taken soon based on his written request to the Vigilance director. “In the letter, George said he would reveal details about the scam as he had solid evidence against Mani and other Ministers of the ruling front. Hence George’s statements would be recorded any time based on his convenience,” Vigilance Superintendent R Sukeshan said.