THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Industrialist Dinesh Menon said the designated Pala MLA Mani C Kappan grabbed 3.5 crore on the promise of giving him shares of Kannur Airport. He returned Rs 25 lakh in 2012. I met Kodiyeri Balakrishnan only once and I don’t have any financial transactions with him and his son, Menon told media.

Menon said, “Kappan had received money from me. He gave me cheques saying that he will return the money, but all that bounced. He said that he will give me land. He cheated me. He promised to give me a place in Kumarakom where he pledged for Rs 75 lakh in the bank. Kappan deceived me completely.

Menon said Kappan promised to give him 16% shares of Kannur Airport. The company's stake was valued at Rs 225 crore. I was invited for the meet of Kannur Airport. V S Achuthanandan was the chief minister then. I came to attend that meeting. Kappan took me to the then home minister Kodiyeri’s house. We left after having tea.

Kappan is facing trial in the case. I had contacted NCP leaders to get my money back. NCP leader Peethamabaran Master said Kappan is NCP’s treasurer and that he does not care how he brought the money.

Menon said that he has never met Kodiyeri after that. I don’t have any financial dealings with Kodiyeri and his son. Should ask Kappan on his statement. A complaint was given to the CBI. I lodged the complaint when I found that Kappan cheated me completely.