What’s the CBI Investigation into CM Vijayan’s Aide Abraham About?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CBI Investigation into K.M. Abraham initiated by Kerala High Court.
- Joemon Puthenpurackal, a persistent activist, has filed a caveat.
- The investigation spans allegations from 2003 to 2015.
- Political leaders express varying views on the probe.
- Corruption concerns loom over the Chief Minister's office.
Kochi, April 28 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated an inquiry on Monday, following a directive from the Kerala High Court, regarding allegations surrounding the illicit accumulation of assets by K.M. Abraham, who is the Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as well as a former Chief Secretary and CEO of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
The CBI's First Information Report (FIR), which comprises nearly 600 pages, has now been made public.
Joemon Puthenpurackal, a public activist who has been pursuing this case for over a decade, stands as the petitioner.
Puthenpurackal, well-acquainted with legal matters, expressed concerns on Monday regarding Abraham's potential to use his influence to navigate the judicial process.
“I have filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, ensuring that I must be consulted before any decisions are made regarding Abraham’s petitions,” he stated.
Additionally, Puthenpurackal accused Abraham of previously using his influence to sway a Vigilance inquiry related to the same allegations.
“While my initial petition sought a probe into Abraham’s wealth accumulation from 2003 to 2015, the Vigilance restricted the inquiry to 2009. However, the High Court has mandated that the investigation covers the complete period from 2003 to 2015,” he explained.
In response, Chief Minister Vijayan commented that as Abraham seeks legal recourse, no immediate action would be taken against him.
CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan supported this view, labeling the investigation as a political maneuver.
“What difference does it make if the CBI is investigating? Let them proceed with their inquiry. Everyone knows that the central government is increasingly utilizing its agencies against adversaries. An investigation does not equate to guilt. We will await the findings,” Govindan asserted.
In light of these developments, senior Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala called for the immediate resignation of Abraham.
“Initially, it was M. Sivasankar, who served as Vijayan’s former principal secretary, facing imprisonment twice and is currently out on bail. Now it’s Abraham. This highlights that the Chief Minister’s office is at the heart of corruption and illicit activities,” Chennithala remarked.