Kerala orders Vigilance probe against Gyanesh Kumar

The Kerala government has ordered a thorough investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) into allegations of irregularities related to Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner. The probe focuses on a case involving the alleged suicide of Malaysian civil engineer Lee See Been in 2006, a case in which Gyanesh Kumar was the state Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary at the time.

The engineer's suicide note reportedly named Gyanesh Kumar. The Home Minister has directed the VACB to investigate allegations of external pressure that may have derailed an earlier preliminary inquiry conducted in 2006. The Home Minister emphasized that the allegation of external influence is serious and requires a detailed investigation.

Meanwhile, former Union Minister P Chidambaram urged state Election Commissioners to publicly clarify directives they received during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, alleging that the process is illegal. Chidambaram questioned the actions of the Election Commission and the CEOs, demanding transparency and clarity on instructions received and compliance.

Opposition parties have called for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, and the INDIA bloc has organized protests and a rally in New Delhi to demand accountability.