KOCHI: The High Court quashed the Vigilance FIR in the alleged bribery case against Muslim League leader KM Shaji. As per the FIR, it was found during the preliminary investigation that KM Shaji took a bribe of Rs 25 lakh to grant a new Plus Two batch to a school in Azhikode.

The FIR also stated that there is evidence against him found during inspection of the school's accounts and from the testimony of witnesses. The case is based on a complaint sent by a local League leader to the state leadership that KM Shaji MLA took a bribe of Rs 25 lakh in 2014 to grant a plus two batch to a high School in Azhikode. The complaint got leaked and a CPM leader sent this to Chief Minister. Following this, Vigilance visited the school and conducted a preliminary inspection in 2017 itself.

The income and expenditure accounts of the school were examined. The school received Rs 30 lakh in 2014 and Rs 35 lakh in 2015 as donation. Rs 35 lakh was recorded as expenditure in these years. It was pointed out in the FIR that Rs 25 lakh was given to Shaji.

Vigilance SP rejected the complaint finding no basis in the allegations against Shaji. But on the legal advice of the prosecution, the vigilance started the probe again. Vigilance FIR was quashed by the court considering Shaji's petition citing this matter. The court had earlier stayed the FIR.

Meanwhile, KM Shaji responded via Facebook that he was happy that the High Court quashed the bribery case that was fabricated against him for political feud.