“CBI Ready to Investigate Bar Bribery Case: Biju Ramesh Welcomes Decision”

Thiruvananthapuram: Bar owner Biju Ramesh has welcomed the CBI’s stance that he is ready to investigate the bar bribery case. Let CBI investigate. Everyone should know the truth. They are not interested in making anyone a scapegoat. They will stand firm till death. Many bar owners who were with me later withdrew. There are many business people. Is there a use? Biju Ramesh said that the case was settled as part of the political change of the Kerala Congress. They did not know that Mani would go to the left front when the case was going on. The bar bribery case brought about a big change.

PL Jacob, a native of Thrissur, approached the Supreme Court in 2021 seeking a CBI investigation into the Barkoza case. The basis of the complaint was the disclosure of Bar Association President Biju Ramesh that in 2014 the then Finance Minister KM Maniyula had paid bribes to prominent leaders. The CBI clarified its position in response to this. KM Mani took a bribe of Rs. 1 crore was also given to then Excise Minister K Babu to renew his bar license. According to Satyawang Mool, Biju Ramesh alleged that Ramesh handed over one crore to Chennithala and twenty five lakh to VS Shivakumar.

The affidavit also says that there is another allegation that the chief minister himself interfered with the investigation announced by the government. The information in the affidavit filed last year in the case is now coming out. The Supreme Court had earlier rejected the demand for a CBI probe in the bar corruption case. The court took its position in the background of the investigation of the vigilance. Earlier, the CBI had also informed the High Court that it is ready to investigate the corruption case.

Last Updated May 1, 2023, 2:07 PM IST