K A Ratheesh resigns Khadi Board secretary post after criticism from HC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K A Ratheesh has resigned from the secretary post of Khadi Board. He is the former MD of the Cashew Development Corporation and is the prime accused in the multi-crore cashew scam case. Reports say Chief Minister V D Satheesan had asked Ratheesh to resign from the secretary post.

Ratheesh had served the posts of secretary of the Kerala Khadi Village Industries Board, managing director of Rutronics (Kerala State Rural Women's Electronics Industries Cooperative Federation Limited) and chief executive of the Kerala Khadi Workers Welfare Fund Board. The high court had strongly criticized Ratheesh for continuing in three vital posts. The court, which sought a report from the government, also directed to issue a notice to the CBI.

K M Shahjahan approached the high court against Ratheesh continuing in the vital posts. The court asked how an accused who is awaiting trial could continue to hold three important posts. The court also criticized saying ‘He is in charge of departments where large-scale corruption can easily take place. Doesn't the government see any of this?’. Chief Minister VD Satheesan then intervened in the matter and asked him to resign.