'Kerala Kaumudi' report confirmed; will recommend central probe against CM, says Governor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has told the media that he is seriously considering recommending to the President for a probe by central agencies against the Chief Minister, pointing out that he did not make a move for three years despite knowing about the crimes against the country. Kerala Kaumudi had reported that by intensifying the 'anti-national' allegations against the chief minister, the governor was targeting an investigation by central agencies. The governor's words confirm this.

"The chief minister explained in his letter that he has not said 'anti-national' activities. The second page of the letter says that 'crimes against the country' are taking place. This is much more serious and affects the integrity and security of the country. Yet, the chief minister failed to inform me about it. The letter seeking information was not responded to for 27 days. The reply was received when notices were issued to the chief secretary and the DGP to appear. They were prevented from appearing at the Raj Bhavan because the chief minister was trying to hide something. Three years ago, the principal secretary to the chief minister was arrested in a gold smuggling case. All these things are mysterious and suspicious."

"Did the police intervene in the chief minister's revelation that crimes against the country are taking place in Kerala? What are crimes against the country other than anti-national? It is my duty to inform the President that no action has been taken. The chief secretary and the DGP come to the Raj Bhavan for many purposes. Shouldn't the Governor investigate the crimes against the country? The chief minister has a constitutional duty to inform the governor. Administrative normal things are not happening here," the governor said.

The governor publicly read out the chief minister's reply letter. The chief secretary and D.G.P. does not have to come to Raj Bhavan now.

Is the police above the chief minister?

The Governor said that he accepts that the police headquarters opposed the governor's statement that it says on the police website that the gold smuggling money was being used for funding banned organisations.

In a press release, the police said such statements had not occurred at any point in time and only the details of the seized gold and cash were published on the website.

"If so, is the police above the chief minister? What is important? The chief minister's statement that crimes against the country are taking place or the explanation of the police?" Governor asked.