Remember the infamous gold scam of Kerala? It was a grand scam as CM Vijayan himself was involved in the scam. Now, he is back with yet another scam – a PPE kit scam. A recent development that exposes Kerala government’s yet another scam, will strike below your ears.
Vijayan’s PPE kit scam
In a recent development, an RTI query has revealed information that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former Finance Minister TM Thomas approved the selling of PPE kits at three times prevailing market rates.
Another revelation of the RTI query will blow your mind. It revealed that it took only twenty-four hours for a company to triple its price which was earlier ready to provide the PPE kits at a lower rate. Notably, this scam took place in the first phase of the pandemic.
Moreover, the RTI query has also revealed that a single PTI kit was priced at Rs. 446 on purchase dated March 29, 2020, became for Rs. 1550 on the purchase dated March 30, 2020.
Reportedly, the scam took place only after Vijayan’s approval.
According to the RTI query “The purchase file was signed by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. These expensive PPE kits were approved by KK Shailaja and finance minister Thomas Issac.”
What was the gold smuggling case?
The gold smuggling case of Kerala came to light in July 2020 and up until now, more than 30 accused have been arrested. Reported extensively by TFI, the scam was being used to finance terror operations across the country. 30 kilograms of gold worth Rs 15 crores seized by the Customs department was found in diplomatic cargo addressed to the UAE -consulate- General Office in Thiruvananthapuram.
Pinarayi Vijayan ahead of the assembly elections was also named by Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the case. The Customs in its report had stated, “The respondent (Swapna Suresh) had clearly stated about the improper and illegal activities of the CM, three ministers, and the Speaker. She has also further stated about the involvement and kickbacks received by high-profile persons from various deals”
Seemingly, the troubles are not going to end soon for Pinarayi Vijayan and his government. While the clamour around the gold scam and its communal politics is yet to die, a new scam has now caused a violent shakedown within Kerala.
