Kochi: The Kerala High Court has dealt a major blow to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesh’s government, issuing sharp criticisms for failing to take action against K.A. Ratheesh, the prime accused in a massive multi-crore corruption scandal. Expressing deep concern, the court stated that allowing an official facing trial in a major graft case to hold key strategic positions is a direct challenge to the justice system. Justice A. Badharudeen slammed the government while hearing a petition filed by K.M. Shahjahan, pointing out that Ratheesh continues to head three vital state institutions despite serious allegations against him.
At present, Ratheesh serves as the Secretary of the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board, Managing Director of Routronix, and Chief Executive Officer of the Kerala Khadi Workers’ Welfare Fund Board. The court raised a sharp query during the hearing, questioning whether individuals facing severe graft charges are deliberately placed in positions where they could potentially engage in further corruption. Warning that shielding corrupt individuals completely destroys the credibility of the administration, the court has now issued a notice seeking a clear explanation from the government. The case traces back to a massive cashew import scam that occurred between 2006 and 2015, where contracts were awarded in total violation of standard guidelines, causing immense financial losses to the Cashew Development Corporation.
In the case registered by the CBI, K.A. Ratheesh is listed as the first accused, while ruling union leader R. Chandrasekharan is named as the third accused. Although the investigating agency requested permission to prosecute Ratheesh and others, the government initially delayed action, yielding only after the court threatened contempt of court proceedings. Despite eventually granting prosecution sanction, the government refrained from suspending or transferring the accused officer, instead entrusting him with even more strategic responsibilities. Legal experts warn that letting an officer under trial remain in high-level posts risks the destruction of crucial evidence and the intimidation of witnesses. With the High Court taking a firm stance, public attention is now focused on whether Chief Minister V.D. Satheesh will take immediate action to suspend the officer and allow a fair trial to proceed.
