PSC controversy: CPM not to conduct investigation about the role of Riyas, says MV Govindan

Alappuzha: CPM would take necessary steps after conducting a detailed inspection regarding the ‘PSC controversy’, said CPM state secretary MV Govindan. While speaking to reporters at Alappuzha on Monday, Govindan said that CPM does not appoint PSC members by taking bribes from people. Such appointments would be made based on merit only, he said.

It is alleged that an area committee member of Kozhikode district had received a bribe of Rs. 22 lakhs from a person working in the health sector promising PSC membership. The doctor further alleged that the person had assured that the appointment could be made possible with the intervention of PWD minister PA Muhammad Riyas. 

He also alleged that the area committee member also had mentioned his closeness with MLAs KM Sachin Dev and Thottathil Raveendran. 

On Monday, MV Govindan took a stand that there is nothing to be investigated in connection with the role of Minister Riyas in this latest scandal which shook up the party which has been reeling under severe criticism in connection with the election defeat suffered in the state. “We know how to appoint members in PSC. Let the police investigate the allegation. We have not taken a stand that the police should not investigate this issue”, said Govindan. 

It is said that CPM has taken disciplinary action against CPM Kozhikode area committee member Pramod Kottooli. This will be officially announced soon. Pramod is the district in charge of CITU.   It is alleged that he demanded a substantial amount of Rs. 60 lakh to assist the doctor in obtaining PSC membership.