Thiruvananthapuram: State government is learnt to have decided not to go for a vigilance probe in the treasury fraud case in which a former official of sub-treasury, Vanchiyoor, is the main accused.
Even though the police had recommended for a vigilance inquiry in the matter to unearth the conspiracy, if any, and to identify if there are any more culprits involved, the finance department is learnt to have taken a stand against the move.
It is learnt that the finance department has taken a stand that since the police is probing the matter, there is no need for an inquiry by the vigilance department. In addition to the police investigation, the finance department also has launched a departmental inquiry into the matter. In the wake of these two probes, a third investigation by the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau is not required, the finance department is learnt to have recommended the chief minister.
It is learnt that the chief minister has also agreed to the view of the finance minister. “But it does not mean that vigilance probe is totally ruled out. It can be ordered after completing the ongoing probe,” sources in the office of the finance minister said.
The police had registered a case that M R Bijulal, an employee with the treasury, had swindled Rs 2.73 crore from the treasury. In the probe, it was found that Rs 73 lakh has been lost from the treasury, while the remaining amount was recovered from the treasury savings bank account of Bijulal and his wife Simi D Ambi. Also, the probe had also found that there has been a serious lapse on the part of the treasury officials in initiating action against Bijulal despite knowing that fingers were pointing towards him for such a fraud three months ago.
The investigating team has also reached an opinion that a detailed probe against other officials in the treasury should also be initiated under the provisions of prevention of corruption act, which is done by the vigilance.
At the same time, after failing to submit the chargesheet within the stipulated 90 days, accused Bijulal was granted bail by the court last week.