Thiruvananthapuram, November 4: Keralam’s Home Department has directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to conduct a preliminary inquiry into fresh bribery allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The complaint concerns Kumar’s tenure as the state’s Public Works Department secretary and payments connected with the Kerala State Transport Project.
Former contractor Sajan alleged that Kumar demanded ₹2 crore to release payments for completed work undertaken by PATI-BEL, an Indo-Malaysian consortium. He claimed that approved bills remained unpaid, creating financial difficulties for contractors and workers.
The complaint also refers to Malaysian project engineer Lee See Been, who died by suicide. Sajan alleged that Lee had spoken about the purported bribe demand and offered to provide witnesses to support his complaint. These claims have not been established.
The latest development follows an earlier complaint seeking renewed scrutiny of the case. Previous vigilance proceedings were closed after allegations could not be substantiated, according to reports.
The preliminary inquiry will assess the fresh complaint before authorities decide whether to register an FIR. Ordering an inquiry does not establish wrongdoing or determine responsibility for Lee’s death.