Breakthrough in appointment bribery case; did not give Rs 1 lakh to Akhil Mathew, says Haridasan, police to record confidential statement

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The confession statement of Haridasan, the complainant in the bribery case related to the personal staff member of the Health Minister, is out. Haridasan has reportedly admitted to the police during interrogation that he did not pay Rs 1 lakh to Minister Veena George's PA Akhil Mathew.

Haridasan had earlier alleged in his complaint that he had given Rs 1 lakh to the minister's PA near the secretariat. However, Haridasan has now told the police that he had not given the money to the minister's personal staff. According to the police, Haridasan is giving contradictory statements regarding the allegations. The Cantonment Police is continuing to interrogate Haridasan. The police are planning to record Haridasan's confidential statement. The police are questioning him by showing CCTV footage and other evidence. The police said that there was no exchange of money or impersonation and that Haridasan may be named an accused in the case.

Earlier, the police had found several inconsistencies in Haridasan's allegation that he came to Thiruvananthapuram and paid a bribe of Rs 1 lakh in front of the secretariat. The police received information that Haridasan's friend Basit was also involved in the fraud. Although Basit was summoned the other day for questioning, he did not turn up.