Malabar Cements scam case files gone missing in HC; probe ordered

Kochi: The High court of Kerala has ordered a probe as case files have gone missing in a case involving a major scam. The court said that missing of case files from the court is worrisome and ordered high court registrar to probe the matter and submit a report.

The set of writ petitions went missing after the matters were listed for consideration before the court.

The first set of writ petitions, filed by the Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Protection Council and Joy Kaitharam, challenging the government order withdrawing prosecution against some of the directors of Malabar Cements Ltd and the petition for a CBI probe in the Vigilance cases relating to the corruption in the company, was found missing from the court. Later, the second also went missing. As of now, the third set of the writ petitions is available with the court.

Another writ petition by the Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Protection Council seeking a CBI probe into the corruption was also found missing.

The court observed that there might have been a planned move behind the disappearance of the files.

Malabar Cements scam cases pertain to massive misappropriations which allegedly took place in Malabar Cements Ltd, a public sector undertaking under the Government of Kerala.