THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Health Minister KK Shailaja has come up with an explanation in the case that the purchase of PPE kits and related equipment during the Covid period was a scam. She said that the transactions were done with the knowledge of the Chief Minister and there was no corruption.

'The PPE kit worth Rs 500 was bought for Rs 1500 with the knowledge of the Chief Minister. He had instructed to ensure the quality and buy it. Fifty thousand kits were ordered, but when 15,000 were purchased, the price dropped. So the rest of the kits were bought at a low price.'- said KK Shailaja.

The former minister stated that in the first phase, the purchase was made in an emergency situation and consideration was given to save people's lives at that time. She added that these will be conveyed to Lokayukta.

The Lokayukta had sent notices to nine people including KK Shailaja in the case. In the preliminary investigation, it was found that the case had substance and further action was taken. The order of the division bench comprising Justice Cyriac Joseph and Deputy Justice Haroon Al Rasheed ordered that Shailaja appear and give an explanation on December 8.