The Lok Ayukta has directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to submit a confidential report to it on the present status of investigation in the bar licence bribery scam by June 22. The direction was given on a complaint by one Khalid Mundappilly, seeking a directive to the VACB to register cases against ministers allegedly involved in the scam in the wake of a confidential statement before the magistrate by Kerala State Bar Hotel Owners Association Working President Biju Ramesh that bribes were paid to ministers.
"We understand from some newspaper reports that Biju Ramesh had given a statement before the Judicial First Class Magistrate under Section 164(5) of CrPC. If clear, direct and convincing evidence has been received by VACB through the statement regarding the alleged commission of offence by ministers, we do not find any reasons why VACB should not take action accordance with law", it further observed.