Principal Secretary goes on leave without submitting inquiry report on AI camera deal; flies to UAE

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Industries Principal Secretary APM Mohammed Hanish, who conducted an investigation on whether there was a lapse on the part of Keltron in the AI ​​camera deal, has taken leave and gone abroad without handing over the inquiry report to the government. He was transferred from the Industries Department to the Health Department while the investigation was in progress. He went to the UAE after taking earned leave till the 19th of this month. With this, it has become clear that there will be a delay in handing over the inquiry report to the government. Mohammed Hanish has taken leave for five days since Monday.

According to sources close to Mohammed Hanish, the report is being delayed as Hanish is busy with matters related to the health department. The investigation was announced two and a half weeks ago. According to the office of the Industries Minister, no time limit has been set for handing over the report.

While announcing the investigation in a press conference, the Industries Minister had stated that there was nothing irregular in the camera contract. The Principal Secretary was also present at this press conference. In this situation, the Principal Secretary is in a dilemma that the government will be adversely affected if any irregularity is found in the contract. It is assessed that this might be the reason behind the delay in submitting the report.

Sources close to the government said that although Mohammed Hanish has gone on leave, it will not affect the ordinance to toughen punishment for incidents of violence against health workers. Former Principal Secretary Tinku Biswal has been given a temporary charge. Further discussions related to the draft ordinance will be held in her presence. The amendment is being made to the Kerala Health Care Services (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2012. Tuesday's cabinet meeting will consider the matter.