Action on ‘Break the Chain’ irregularities for probe agencies to decide: Kerala CM Satheesan

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 15 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday said it was for the investigating agencies, and not him, to decide whether any action was warranted over the alleged procedural and financial irregularities flagged in the previous LDF government's 'Break the Chain' campaign during the Covid-19 pandemic. Replying to questions from the media about reports on the finance inspection department's findings and its reported recommendation for disciplinary action against Kerala Social Security Mission Executive Director Dr Mohammed Asheel, the CM said all allegations would be examined. When reporters asked whether there would be an investigation against senior CPI(M) leader and former Health Minister K K Shailaja in this regard, the CM said it was not for him to take such decisions. "Can I sit here and say that even the former health minister should be investigated? It is not for me to take such decisions," Satheesan told a press conference after a cabinet meeting here. He said the police would examine the complaints and determine whether any corruption or other irregularities had taken place, who was involved, and whether there had been any procedural lapses. "Let the investigating agencies examine whether there was corruption, whether anything improper happened, who was responsible and whether there were procedural lapses. Don't ask me to pronounce a decision on a matter that is under investigation," he said. His remarks came amid reports on the finance inspection department's findings on alleged major procedural and financial violations in the 'Break the Chain' campaign implemented under the Kerala Social Security Mission during the Covid-19 pandemic. The campaign had won widespread appreciation for the then LDF government, particularly for Shailaja, who recently defended its implementation, saying all activities were carried out under government directions to protect people during the pandemic. PTI LGK SSK