Opposition raises SNC Lavalin scandal in Kerala Assembly

Thiruvananthapuram: While seeking a CBI inquiry into the corruption in police department, the opposition on Monday invoked the dormant multi-crore SNC Lavalin corruption case in the assembly.

PT Thomas of the Congress raised the Lavalin case while giving a notice for adjournment motion. He alleged that the Chief Minister was protecting police chief Loknath Behera as he was the ‘ bridge’ that connected the Chief Minister to the Centre. And collapsing that bridge meant the Chief Minister would fall into an abyss.

Responding to this, Pinarayi said that there was no case against him. At this point, the leader of the Opposition Ramash Chennithala couldn’t wait to join the debate and said that Lavalin case still existed.

He said that nobody could be exonerated unless the judicial process was completely over. Also, the CBI had given an appeal in Supreme Court and Pinarayi would have to fight legal battle, he said.

The Lavalin case was about causing loss of Rs 86.25 crore to the exchequer. The High court had discharged Pinarayi of the charges of the case related to KSEB having entered into a contract with Canadian company SNC Lavalin for renovation and modernization of three hydroelectric projects.