Rs 2 crore needed to start a pump, ED to investigate source of Prasanthan's money, Divya likely to be trapped?

KANNUR: A new turning point in the controversies that ensued following the death of ADM Naveen Babu. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) may investigate former district panchayat president P P Divya's disclosure. Divya had revealed that a bribe was given to the ADM to get NOC for the petrol pump. Shortly, T V Prasanthan, who applied for the license, revealed that Naveen Babu was given a bribe of Rs 98,500.

The minimum cost to start a petrol pump is around Rs 2 crore. An investigation under Section 13-B of the Prevention of Corruption Act can be conducted to find out the financial source of Prasanthan, an ordinary employee of Pariyaram Medical College. The offense under the PC Act is one of the scheduled offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The department said the ED should investigate the role of anyone who has helped in an offense under the PC Act. So, Divya will also come under the ambit of ED investigation.

According to the 2018 amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act, it is said that giving a bribe under duress is not a crime. If such a bribe is paid, it must be reported to the authorities within seven days. So, another case can be filed against Prasanthan for giving bribe.

Meantime, a retired teacher Gangadharan of Kannur Mayyil Kuttiattor said Naveen Babu has not asked for bribe and has not filed any such complaint. The complaint submitted by Gangadharan to the chief minister has blamed revenue officials including the ADM for dereliction of duty. It was also given to the people's representatives in Kannur.

The anticipatory bail plea filed by Divya at the Thalassery Court on pointed out that not only Prasanthan but also Gangadharan had raised allegations of corruption against Naveen in the complaint filed on September 4.