THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “There is nothing more on letter controversy than what is heard in the media and what is said by the mayor”, says CPM district secretary Anavoor Nagappan in his statement. Although Anavoor Nagappan said that he gave a direct statement, the crime branch explains that he gave his statement over the phone because of his busy schedule due to party events.

Anavoor's statement is that he is not aware of the letter and is not involved in the appointments in the corporation. Mayor Arya Rajendran stated that she had not given such a letter. The mayor's statement was recorded at home.

Vigilance also took the statement from Congress leader and former councilor Sreekumar, who filed complaint about the controversial letter regarding backdoor appointments in the corporation.

The protest by opposition parties continues in the corporation office for the fifth consecutive day. Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham ordered a preliminary investigation on the letters of Arya Rajendran and Standing Committee Chairman D R Anil and backdoor appointments. Thiruvananthapuram Special Investigation Unit- One will conduct the investigation.

The preliminary probe will focus on whether this letter was part of corruption or backdoor appointments. The complainants are also directed to appear before the SP to record their statements. There are four complainants in the case. Meanwhile, CPM district secretary Anavoor Nagappan gave a statement to the crime branch team which is conducting preliminary probe. The crime branch team recorded Anavoor's statement at the EK Nayanar Charitable Trust in Ulloor. Anavoor told Kerala Kaumudi that he had given a statement to the crime branch that he had not received the controversial letter.

The police fired grenades, water cannons and tear gas at the BJP OBC Morcha workers who led march to the corporation office yesterday. Many party workers were injured. Senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar, who is in charge of Kerala, reached the protest site in support of the party workers. Javadekar said that the backdoor appointments in the municipal corporation are being made with the knowledge of the CPM leadership. Arya Rajendran retorted that she would remain mayor as long as she had the support of councillors. The UDF protest inaugurated by CMP general secretary CP John also resulted in conflict.

Although CPM has announced an inquiry into the letter row, no decision has been taken yet on the inquiry commission.