THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A vigilance inquiry has been launched against former minister VS Shivakumar in connection with illegal asset acquisition case. The home secretary has issued an order for inquiry. The government had earlier received the governor's permission for the same.

The vigilance did a primary investigation in 2016 on a complaint that Shivakumar illegally acquired assets. A report was then submitted to the government in the last year. The government recommended the vigilance to start a probe after registering a case against the former minister. The home secretary issued an order for inquiry as the government received the governor's permission for inquiry.

There were allegations against Shivakumar relating to the corruption in the medical field. Meanwhile, Congress leader Jyothikumar Chamakkala said the case is politically motivated.