R Sugathan's leave application: Home Minister expresses dissatisfaction over Jail Dept's letter, probe against officials

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has expressed dissatisfaction with the Jail Department for issuing a letter in favour of BJP Councillor R. Sugathan, who is in jail under the KAAPA Act. Chennithala said that the action by the Jail Department officials was taken without his knowledge or approval. He said the letter, which suggested a way for Sugathan to avoid disqualification, will be investigated. A detailed inquiry into the matter has also been ordered.

The letter from the Jail Department allowed Sugathan to submit a leave application to the Corporation Council through the Jail Superintendent. It stated that Sugathan would be unable to attend council meetings, and to avoid disqualification, it would suffice to submit a leave application and get it approved through a council vote. Accordingly, Sugathan's leave application was presented at the council meeting and approved with the support of 51 members. Although UDF members protested against the move, Mayor V.V. Rajesh defended it by citing the letter from the Home Department

Ramesh Chennithala said the letter, signed by an Under Secretary on behalf of the Additional Chief Secretary, was issued without his knowledge. He said the inquiry will examine how and under whose directions such a letter supporting Sugathan was prepared.