Biz rivalry behind AI cam scam, says Raju

Thiruvananthapuram: Transport minister Antony Raju has said the business rivalry between the companies has led to the present allegations against the Safe Kerala project. The opposition parties are providing all support to this, he alleged.
The minister said the attempt is to defame the chief minister and his family. “The opposition wants to put the government in a bad light by unleashing baseless allegations. The agreement for the project was made in 2018. Till date no company has gone to the court against this project or raised any allegations against awarding the tender. Hence, all the allegations that have come up after the commissioning of the project were nothing but political,” he added.
It is certain that no corruption has been involved in the project. The allegations are against the procedures that have been followed. If there are any procedural lapses occurred, then it would be clear soon after the inquiry conducted by the industries principal secretary. “Why is that those who are demanding a judicial probe into the deal not approaching the court? They are claiming that they have all the evidence to prove the corruption. Then they should approach the court,” Raju said.
When the UDF was in power in 2012, an order for 100 cameras was made by the Keltron, for which Rs 40 crore was the cost. Keltron has followed the same procedures to purchase the cameras now, he added. Meanwhile, the minister said the motor vehicle department has started issuing warning notices under the Safe Kerala project and the fines will not be imposed now. The project will become operational in the state only from May 20 onwards, he added.