KOCHI: Indian Navy has clarified that Pinarayi Vijayan’s allegations that the defence forces sought payment for their services during the floods is not right. Anil Chawla, vice admiral of Indian Navy said that they have not asked the state to pay the bill. He said that such reports are baseless. He was talking to reporters in the press meet in Kochi.

“The exact amount to be given is Rs 33,79,77,250. This amount together with the cost of Ration materials allotted by the Centre will sum up to Rs 290.74 crore, which should be paid to the Centre. Even if we spend the whole of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), it would be impossible to pay off this amount. We have received only Rs 987.73 crore towards the fund. Out of this, 586.04 crore has been spent. We can clear all financial liabilities only if we get Rs 706 cr more,” the chief minister had said in the assembly on Wednesday.