KOCHI: There is a huge corruption in the deal in buying and installing Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras, said opposition leader V D Satheesan. He said that even the ministers do not know about the contract companies and the people behind KFON are controlling this too.

‘The AI camera deal is yet another scam that will empty the common man's pocket which is bloated due to tax evasion. The government has not given a clear answer to the things raised by Chennithala in this regard. Even Keltron's reply is very vague. Although the cabinet note submitted by Transport Minister Antony Raju in the cabinet mentioned a lot about the project, the information about the companies that have been given contracts and sub-contracts is hidden. Even the ministers don’t know about it. The project was carried out directly by Keltron. SRIT Company has no previous experience, they are power brokers and are middlemen,’ alleged Satheesan.

‘The pre-qualification criteria for the project should have been clarified. Which all companies participated in the tender? SRIT after getting the contract, made a consortium and subcontracted. They have links with Uralungal. They are Kannur based fraud companies. Everything falls into one box. The transparency of the government tender process has been questioned. The information related to companies will be released one by one. The camera is not worth even a tenth of that Rs 9 lakh. Why did they buy and assemble parts when you get international brand cameras? Out of the 232-crore project, only 70 crore is spent on the camera. The camera has a five-year warranty. However, here Rs 66 crore has been earmarked for a five-year maintenance. Keltron should clarify why they purchased the camera in parts, demanded Satheesan.

This is a scheme to loot the people of Rs 1000 crores annually. He said the common man's pocket is being looted for the corruption of the government.