PPE kit controversy: HC dismisses plea, asks 11 including K K Shailaja to reply in two weeks

KOCHI: The government suffered a huge setback in the controversy related to the purchase of PPE kits during Covid times. The Kerala High Court dismissed the plea filed by some including former health secretary Rajan N Khobragade against the Lokayukta probe related to the deal. The court ordered the eleven people including former health minister K K Shailaja, to reply to the Lokayukta's notice in two weeks.

Complaints were lodged against 11 including K K Shailaja, Rajan N Khobragade, former medical services corporation MD Balamurali, former general manager of medical services corporation S R Dileep Kumar and representatives of private company. The case was accepted in the file after preliminary arguments and investigation were completed by sending notices to the IAS officers. The Lokayukta had sent a notice to Shailaja asking her to appear on December 8.

Congress worker Veena S Nair approached Lokayukta alleging corruption in PPE kit. In addition to PPE kits, the complaint also alleged corruption in the purchase of surgical equipment. The exchequer suffered huge losses due to procurement of medicines and equipment without following the rules. The transactions were done with the knowledge of Shailaja, who was the minister then. The PPE kits were purchased from private companies at three times the market rate. Payment is usually made after delivery of the goods. The complaint also pointed that Rs 9 crore was granted to the company before the kits were distributed.