THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vigilance is probing the massive scam involving the installation of 726 artificial intelligence cameras at a cost of Rs 232.25 crore to detect traffic violations. They will investigate the manipulations made in the tender, sub-contracts and consultancy of the project, which aims to collect Rs 424 crores from the people as fine in five years.

Vigilance seized the files from Keltron and interrogated the three officers in charge. The officials have been directed to produce all documents immediately. Vigilance had found that there was substance in the complaint filed by the Indian Anti-Corruption Mission in Karunagapally last October.

Vigilance chief Manoj Abraham sought permission from the Chief Minister for the investigation as the camera was installed as per the government order. The complaint is against Rajeev Puthalath, who was the Joint Transport Commissioner, and the section clerk. Thiruvananthapuram's 1st Special Unit SP Reg Jacob's preliminary investigation will be completed within a month. An FIR will be registered if any irregularity is found.

Five complaints against Rajeev Puthalath

Low-quality cameras were bought at high prices

There were irregularities even in the tender

Computers and laptops were bought at high prices

Bought the servers at a huge price

Bribery in transfers

(Rajiv Puthalath retired in May 2021)

Probe

1) In the project worth Rs 232.25 crores, apart from Rs 74 crores for camera, were the amount for technical systems, server room, interest and operating expenses have been calculated correctly?

2)Why Rs 7.56 Crores was paid as a consultancy fee despite Finance Department objecting to not paying consultancy fee for self-made equipment?

3) When the sub-contract of Rs 121 crores was awarded to the private company SRIT, the project of Rs 151 crores became 232.25 crores.

4) Is Keltron's claim of world-class artificial intelligence technology true?

5) Whether sub-contracts were awarded to private companies without proper tender based on MoU with Transport Commissioner.

Years-long deal

2018

Department of Motor Vehicles and Keltron in discussion to install 6000 cameras

2019

Keltron was named as a consultant

2020

Keltron signs MoU with Transport Commissioner

2021

Keltron subcontracts to private companies.

2022

The company in Bangalore subcontracted to two companies

2023

The cabinet meeting on April 12 approved the project