THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vigilance has decided not to investigate the corruption in the camera scheme after allegations were made against the chief minister's close relative. Vigilance had earlier said that they would investigate the alleged corruption in the project's tender, sub-contracts, and consultancy. Only the deals in the Department of Motor Vehicles and Keltron will be investigated now. Investigations will be carried out to check whether there are irregularities in the tender documents and whether ineligible contracts have been awarded. There will be no inquiry into subcontracted private companies. Vigilance is taking a stand that private companies can give high rates in tenders and they have no authority to check private contracts.

Vigilance says that they will file a case, if it is found that those who quoted the lowest amount were excluded or the contract was awarded to those who were not eligible, in the open tender called by Keltron. The lowest amount (151.22 crores) was quoted by SRIT, Bengaluru, which was subcontracted by Keltron. SRIT awarded an outsourcing contract to Lightmaster, Thiruvananthapuram for Rs 83.63 crore including cameras, software, equipment, and five years of maintenance charges. There will be no investigation into this. Alhind, Presadio, Troyes, and Meditronics companies will also not be investigated into. Keltron will be examined for quality assurance lapses. The government has not invested in the scheme and there is no provision for bribery as there was no cash transaction. The amount of profit made by the companies that get contracts through open tenders does not come under the ambit of corruption- explained Vigilance. The investigation is on the complaint against Rajeev Puthalath, who was the Joint Transport Commissioner, and Rajesh, the accountant.

Investigation will end after taking the statements.

The vigilance investigation may be concluded after taking the statements of Keltron and Motor Vehicle Department officials. As Keltron awarded the contract to the lowest-quoted company, the investigation will be dismissed as void.

Probing Questions

1) Is there any irregularity in the tender process?

2)Is there an error in calculating the estimated amount?

3) Were unqualified contractors selected?

4)Was the contract awarded at a low rate?

5) Why was the tender not cancelled if the rate was high?

6) Was unnecessary types of equipment tendered?

7)Does Artificial Intelligence work?

Allegations in the complaint

• Low-quality cameras were bought at high prices
• The tender for cameras was also tampered with
• Computers and laptops were bought at huge prices
• Electric vehicles are rented for a huge amount
• An amount more than the costs of the cars was paid as rent

Project cost: 232.25 crores

Keltron subcontract: 151.22 crores

Cost including control room: 66 crores