Kerala Home Minister dismisses witch hunt claims in CMRL payoff probe

Chennithala stressed that public trust hinges on balancing absolute impartiality with judicial fairness, insisting that the innocent must remain protected while the guilty face consequences. He argued that the current reliance on paper-based records is obsolete, advocating for the total digitization of investigation details to ensure timely, data-driven decisions in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. By moving toward a paperless administration, he suggests the state can improve oversight and restore credibility to the Vigilance Department.

However, the government’s approach faces intense scrutiny from the opposition. BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Vice President Shone George have openly challenged the formation of Special Investigation Teams, labeling them a tactical cover-up rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. Pointing to past unresolved cases like the Sabarimala gold disappearance, Chandrasekhar questioned why state leadership remains hesitant to file a formal First Information Report despite significant evidence. The BJP leaders are now pushing for an independent vigilance probe, arguing that state-controlled police panels are inherently compromised and designed to dilute the investigation into the transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd and the firm linked to Veena Vijayan.