Dr. B.S. Shiju, Chairman of the Kerala unit of the All India Congress Committee’s research division, has formally requested the cancellation of a petrol pump allotment in Cheranmula, Kannur. This demand comes amid serious allegations of bribery linked to the approval process for the pump, which coincided tragically with the death of Kannur’s Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu.
The complaint was sparked by revelations from T.V. Prashanthan, the applicant for the petrol pump, who allegedly confessed to paying a bribe to secure a no-objection certificate (NOC) shortly before ADM Babu’s death.
In communications directed to the Union Minister of State for Petroleum and other relevant officials, Dr. Shiju emphasized that Prashanthan openly admitted to bribing the ADM in a complaint reportedly submitted to the Chief Minister. This letter, which has gained traction on social media, alleges that the ADM demanded ₹1 lakh, with Prashanthan handing over ₹98,500 to rapidly obtain the NOC.
These allegations have raised significant concerns about the integrity of the allotment process, with Dr. Shiju pointing to serious claims of corruption, irregularities, and undue influence potentially involving the district panchayat president’s family. Despite notable safety concerns surrounding the petrol pump’s location at a hazardous bend in the road, the permit was reportedly expedited under pressure.
The situation has escalated following a public confrontation between the district panchayat president and the ADM, culminating in the ADM’s untimely death, which has led to increased scrutiny of the allotment’s transparency.
In response to the escalating controversy, officials confirmed that an investigation would be launched regarding the call for cancellation and any irregularities associated with the case.
