CPM leader face probe within party for allegedly taking bribe by offering PSC membership

KOZHIKODE: The CPM has started an investigation into the allegation that a Kozhikode youth leader of the party took a bribe of Rs 22 lakh from a doctor from Kottuly by offering him PSC membership. The doctor was initially asked for Rs 60 lakh. A three-member committee of the district secretariat is investigating the incident. As the incident that was decided to be settled within the party came out, an emergency district secretariat will meet today to discuss the matter. The allegation is against a member of the town area committee who is also a CITU leader.

It is alleged that the youth leader took bribe by mentioning the names of Minister Mohammad Riyas, Elamaram Kareem, district secretary P Mohanan, MLAs Sachindev, Thottathil Raveendran and Health Minister's PA. He allegedly received Rs 10 lakh as first installment. When the PSC membership did not materialize, the leader offered the doctor a top position in the AYUSH department and took another Rs 12 lakhs for it. When that did not happen, the doctor and his relatives filed a complaint with the party. Minister Mohammad Riyas had written to the party asking them to investigate the incident and bring out the truth. The district secretariat meeting is being held today in the presence of state secretariat members.

Unaware of the incident, says minister

The incident came to light when the complainant doctor and the youth leader were summoned for discussion in the presence of some district leaders to return the money. Minister Mohammad Riyas, who came to a public event in Kozhikode, told the media that he is not aware of the incident.