Tamil Nadu police team due in Kerala to quiz ex-minister

Thiruvananthapuram: The Tamil Nadu police will arrive here next week to interrogate former Public Works Minister P. J. Joseph in connection with his alleged misbehaviour with a co-passenger on a flight from Chennai to Kochi on August 3.

The police interrogations are part of the Tamil Nadu police's inquiries into a complaint filed before them by the woman, Lakshmi Gopakumar.

Following a hue and cry over the incident the Kerala Government had conducted an investigation into the charges through Inspector General of Police B. Sandhya and her report went against Joseph. The minister, who had recommended that the probe be conducted by a top woman police official, had to resign from the Cabinet subsequently.

Reports from Chennai said a team led by Chennai Assistant Police Commissioner Krishnaswamy would question the former minister.

Evidence

Chennai City Police Commissioner Lathika Saran said the team would reach Kerala's capital after taking evidence from complainant Lakshmi Gopakumar. The team would also question the other passengers who were on the flight.

Reports, meanwhile, said another former Kerala minister, Nalakath Soopy, is facing new charges of irregularities during his previous tenure in the Cabinet. A complaint had been lodged against Soopy following the SSLC question paper leakage.

C.G. Unni, a social worker of Nilambur had lodged a complaint with Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan against Soopy, stating irregularities in approving books for Plus Two classes.

The complainant had sought a Central Bureau of Investigation probe in connection with the irregularities and corruption during Soopy's tenure.