Meddling in probe against VS: Info Commissioner in trouble

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 9, 2012:  An alleged attempt by state Information Commissioner and former DIG K Natarajan to interfere in the land-gifting case against CPI-M veteran VS Achuthanandan has landed the official in trouble.

An audio tape of Natarajan’s purported telephonic talk with Vigilance Deputy Superintendent of Police VG Kunhan, one of the investigating officers in the case, asking him to spare Achuthanandan in the case, was aired by a leading Malayalam TV channel today.

Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau Director Venugopal K Nair said that the matter is being examined. “We are verifying the matter with the help of the cyber wing of police to know whether the particular thing (telephone conversation) has taken place or not. Once this process is over, then it is for the government to take a decision on the future course..,” Nair said. Natarajan was not available for his comment.

The case pertains to alleged violation of norms while allotting land to T K Soman, an ex-serviceman and a close relative of Achuthanandan in Kasaragod district when he was Chief Minister heading the previous LDF government.