THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid accusations of corruption in the state government’s artificial intelligence (AI) camera project, Madhu Nambiar, CEO of the company at the centre of the controversy — SRIT India Pvt Ltd — says the contract was awarded by Keltron in a transparent manner. In an interview to TNIE, he also denies charges linking the chief minister’s family to graft allegations.
Excerpts:
Do you suspect a political conspiracy behind the controversy?
Not really. I think we were reduced to mere pawns by certain vested interests.
Can you elaborate? You had mentioned names?
I can only assume it. The two companies that could not fulfil the contract are behind the mud-slinging.
What could be the reason?
I think for political mileage.
Has anyone from the government reached out to you following the controversy?
Not really. The Keltron MD called to ask whether there is any truth to the allegations. We stressed that the matter needs to be investigated by competent agencies and the facts need to be brought out.
Did the industries principal secretary contact SRIT?
Yes. He sought clarity on certain facts. He also wanted to hear from us.
What was the information he sought?
He was keen to know why Al Hind alleged that it had paid the security deposit and we didn’t reimburse the same. As per the contract, they will get the money only when Keltron pays us. The company withdrew from the contract unilaterally. So, we are in a position to contest their claims, if they go to court. As we speak, Rs 1.5 crore has been paid. We promised Al Hind, in good faith, that we will repay the money, with interest.
What did the vigilance department want?
They sought various documents, including those linked to the tender, company credentials, other projects we undertake. Basically, they wanted to know our financial and technical strength, and whether we indeed met the tender conditions. SRIT submitted everything they sought.
When the project got delayed did you try to renegotiate with Keltron?
The request for proposal (RFP) did not have a renegotiation clause. Nobody expected the Covid-induced delay.
But you had a valid reason...
We did not do that. We could have asked for additional time due to the pandemic and procedural delays.
Ever since the controversy, SRIT had been open to providing information. However, one expects Keltron to do more than remain silent.
It was another individual who was serving as MD then. The current MD took charge much after the contract was awarded. So, there are limitations. Documentary evidence exists, which I think Keltron will possess.
Do you feel betrayed?
(silent)
Did you consider holding a joint press conference?
We thought about it and discussed it internally, too. But we understand the limitations of a government department. I take personal pride in the state’s no-nonsense approach.
Do you still stand by your decision to not take up any more projects in Kerala?
Yes.
SRIT is not a camera manufacturer. Mediatronics was assembling them. Did the manufacturer provide authorisation?
We received the manufacturer’s authorisation addressed to Keltron. Because Keltron is the client, they also own the hardware.
Keltron is only a supplier. Isn’t that a violation of the clause?
No, Keltron had manufactured one or two small components at its units.
You are aware of the allegation of ties between CM’s son’s father-in-law and Presidio?
To my knowledge, it is a wrong allegation. The owners of Presidio are different. Presidio’s parent company is based in Oman. I don’t know whether they know each other. But then, they also may. That is probably why the company rented his flat. Prakash Babu did not have any involvement in this project. I called Presidio’s operating director Ramjith when allegations were raised. He clarified that not a single person with a stake in Presidio is related to the CM. Surendran, the owner, has been in Oman for more than 18 years. So there are chances that we know each other. But he doesn’t have any stake in my company.
Have you ever meet Prakash Babu?
No. I have neither seen nor spoken to him.
Where does SRIT’s expertise lie?
We are a software development and systems integration company. We lack expertise in AI cameras. We procured the software from Trois and carried out the integration. We did that at a Keltron plant.