Thiruvananthapuram: Even as a complaint was filed through the Chief Minister's public grievance portal, the Kerala government continues to withhold a clearance certificate sought by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for Fire and Rescue Services Chief DGP Yogesh Gupta.

The certificate, meant to confirm whether any case or investigation is pending against Gupta, was requested from the Chief Secretary one and a half months ago. Despite seven reminder letters, no response has been provided.

Sources indicate that Gupta had also met both the Chief Secretary and the State Police Chief in person, but to no avail. Eventually, on the 1st of this month, he lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister. Ordinarily, such certificates are to be issued within ten days, but in this case, the delay continues without any stated reason.

It is learnt that the Chief Secretary has already obtained a report from the State Police Chief regarding whether any case or investigation is pending against Gupta.

The state government has reportedly been disinclined towards Yogesh Gupta, who is seen as a potential candidate for senior posts in central agencies like the CBI and the ED. He was earlier transferred from the post of Vigilance Director to the Fire and Rescue Services. His name had also featured in the list of probables for the post of State Police Chief.

Yogesh Gupta had previously recommended filing a case in connection with serious allegations involving benami transactions against former Kannur District Panchayat president P P Divya.