Bar bribe case: FIR registered against Kerala minister KM Mani

Mangalore Today News Network

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 11, 2014: In a setback for Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani, an FIR has been registered against him in connection with the bar bribe case.

The FIR was registered on Thursday by the state’s vigilance department, after initial probe found prima facie evidence against the minister.

Earlier, the Kerala High court had last week rejected a plea for registration of an FIR against Mani.

A Division Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice A M Shaffique, while disposing of petitions by LDF convenor Vaikom Vishwam and CPI MLA VS Sunil Kumar, had directed Vigilance Director to take independent decision in accordance with statutory provisions within one week of receipt of the preliminary report.

Alleging that Vigilance’s quick verification against Mani, was a ’farce’, the LDF convenor and CPI MLA had moved the court in separate PILs seeking to draw up an FIR and register crime against the minister.

The LDF had also sought setting up of a SIT to probe the case and wanted court to monitor the same.

Mani has been accused of demanding bribe to allow the reopening of 418 bars shut down in the state in the wake of change in liquor policy.

Whistleblower bar owner Biju Ramesh has alleged that Rs 1 crore was given to Mani as the first instalment of the Rs 5 crore he had demanded.

The opposition Left parties have been demanding Mani’s resignation, saying Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and his cabinet were shielding the minister.

 

Courtesy: Zeenews