Vigilance probe ordered against Roshy Augustine over Malankara tourism corruption allegations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Vigilance inquiry has been ordered against former minister Roshy Augustine following a complaint alleging a Rs 112 crore irregularity in the Malankara Tourism Project. The Director of Vigilance, Manoj Abraham, has directed the Idukki Vigilance Unit DSP to conduct a preliminary investigation and submit a report.

The complaint was filed by Baby Joseph, a native of Muttom and Vice President of the Thodupuzha Block Congress Committee. He alleged that the contract for the tourism project at Malankara Reservoir was awarded to a Kozhikode-based company, FSIT Redefine Destinations, during the previous government's tenure in a fraudulent manner. The complaint states that the tender was designed to favour the private company, leading to massive corruption. Notably, this investigation order comes just six days after the UDF government assumed power.

Responding to the development, Roshy Augustine termed the probe an attempt at character assassination. He stated that he would fully cooperate with the investigation.

"The irrigation tourism project is eco-friendly, and the government is not spending a single rupee on it," Roshy Augustine said. He dismissed allegations that 96.5% of the profit was being given to the private company as baseless, clarifying that the company only receives a share of the revenue. He further added that the tender was transparent and had been advertised in three separate phases.