Further probe ordered against E P Jayarajan in nepotism case

Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance court Saturday ordered further probe against former Minister E.P Jayarajan in the nepotism case. 

On Friday, the Vigilance had registered an FIR against Jayarajan, naming him the first accused in the case.

P K Sudheer, Jayarajan's nephew and son of CPI-M MP from Kannur P K Sreemathi had been named the second accused in the case.

According to Vigilance sources here, the case was registered for "violating due process of selection" while appointing Sudheer as the Managing Director in Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd.

The FIR said though two other persons were shortlisted for the posts after interview and other procedures, Sudheer was selected overlooking them.

The Industries Secretary had issued order appointing Sudheer allegedly as per the directive of Jayarajan, it said.

It was stated that mandatory vigilance clearance needed for appointments in such key posts were also not obtained.

When the issue turned into a controversy, Jayarajan, party strong man from Kannur and also a confidant of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, resigned in November last year.