Thiruvananthapuram, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Kerala government has sanctioned a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) investigation into allegations that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar demanded a Rs 2 crore bribe to clear government contract bills during his tenure as the state’s Public Works Department Secretary in 2006.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Wednesday that he had approved the investigation under Section 17(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act after consulting Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
The allegations were raised by contractor V.O. Sajan, who claimed that Kumar demanded Rs 2 crore from Malaysian engineer Lee See Bin for clearing pending bills of Pathibel, a company executing a Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) contract. Sajan was a sub-contractor responsible for material supplies. Lee later died by suicide.
“I spoke to the Chief Minister and granted sanction for an investigation under Section 17(A). The VACB can conduct a probe under the law, and I have given the necessary approval,” Chennithala said.
He maintained that Kumar’s present position as Chief Election Commissioner did not prevent an investigation into alleged actions during his earlier tenure as PWD Secretary. Chennithala said legal protection attached to the office of the CEC did not cover actions taken before assuming the constitutional post.
Sajan had alleged that Kumar withheld Pathibel’s bills and demanded money for their clearance. He claimed Lee was under severe mental stress over the pending payments and had told him about the alleged demand. Sajan also questioned the earlier vigilance investigation, alleging that it was intended to give Kumar a clean chit.
The VACB will now decide the next steps in the investigation in accordance with the law.
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