KT Jaleel | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: Minister K T Jaleel stated he was interrogated by the central agencies for arranging the facility to distribute the Ramzan kits and copies of Quran which could not be given during the lockdown as enquired by the UAE consulate general.
The minister said this in a special interview with Mathrubhumi News. Jaleel added that he did not buy or receive them. "Many complaints were filed to the central agencies in connection with this and the interrogation by National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) were part of this," he stated.
Somebody even forwarded letters to the Prime Minister and the ED. It is a normal procedure of the agencies to inquire about this. The UDF convenor complained that Foreign Distribution Act was violated and that I received money and materials from the UAE consulate, Jaleel said.
Many organisations complained to the ED that I accumulated money illegally. On the basis of both complaints, the investigative agencies have to see if the allegations are connected with the gold smuggling case. Both agencies summoned me as part of collecting information in this regard, Jaleel said.
Reacting to the question if the minister went to the inauguration of Ramzan provision in the UAE consulate as per the protocol, Jaleel said that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Pakistan violating protocol. "Our Prime Minister violated protocol six times. I am a common man. The PM made a surprise visit to greet the prime minister of Pakistan and did not follow the protocol," he said.
"Protocol should be followed in diplomatic matters and not in friendly visits. When the Sultan of Sharjah visited Kerala, I was the minister invitee. It was then I became acquainted with UAE consul general Jamal Hussain Al Sabi. We used to exchange messages during celebrations and events. After the controversy erupted, we had no communication," Jaleel said.
RELATED STORIES
.jpg?$p=08558d0&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=d827704&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=24d41f7&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
.jpg?$p=a80322e&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=a80322e&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
