Thiruvananthapuram : The Congress said on Friday that action would be taken against those who were involved in the Kerala bar scam, if the probe comes out with a report having evidence against them.
State Congress president V.M. Sudheeran told reporters in Kozhikode that without any evidence, no action could be taken in the case.
“The vigilance probes the bar scam. No evidence has come out against anyone till now. No action can be taken based on allegations. If there is evidence, tough action both legal and political will be taken against them,” said Sudheeran.
Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan told reporters here on Friday that it was strange that no action has been taken against State Excise Minister K. Babu after his name appeared in the 30-page statement given by bar owner Biju Ramesh that he was given Rs.10 crore as bribe to reduce the annual bar license fee.
On March 30, Ramesh appeared before a magistrate and gave a statement under Section 164.
In October 2014, Ramesh revealed that Rs.1 crore was given to Finance Minister K.M. Mani. The state government has ordered a probe by the vigilance department and a case was registered against Mani.
Ramesh said that Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar also received money.
“I have already taken legal actions against Ramesh for his statement. As the high court is closed, I am trying to get the petition filed in other court. I am not going to run away. I will soon meet you all (reporters),” said Babu.
The Kerala Lok Ayukta directed the vigilance department to file a report on what action has been taken against those named in the bar scam before June 22.
The Lok Ayukta said the vigilance department can go ahead but before registering a case, it has to ensure all the Supreme Court guidelines are followed.
Senior Congress leader K. Sudhakaran said: “Allegations have to be substantiated with evidences, if there is nothing in it and no case can be registered.”