SSLC question paper printing corruption case, trial begins; case based on Kerala Kaumudi series

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Trial of corruption case related to SSLC question paper printing contract has started before CBI special court judge K S Sanal Kumar.

Kerala Kaumudi Deputy Editor VS Rajesh was questioned yesterday. Rajesh told CBI prosecutor Arun K Antony about his revelations in 'Chodyavum chorchayum' series about corruption in the printing contract. In cross-examination, Rajesh said that an officer of the Pareeksha Bhavan called and asked him to publish give the news in his favor. Lawyers Jayakrishnan, Azhar and Swapna were present for the defense.

There are seven accused in the case. Many of them have died. The deceased include the first accused, Rajan Chacko, the press general manager, and the third accused, press owner V.S. Subramaniam and Ajit Kumar, the seventh accused who was the clerk of Pareeksha Bhavan.There are 46 witnesses in the case which includes Chief Secretary VP Joy and former DPI Ajit Kumar. The testimony of 14 witnesses have been completed.

Kerala Kaumudi published the leaked information about the SSLC question paper in 2005. The CBI special court in Kochi had earlier convicted two accused in the case. Following a series of publications on corruption in the printing industry, it was decided to investigate not only the cause of the leak but also the corruption in the printing business.