Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has found serious irregularities in contracts awarded by Milma and KeraFed to Midnight Sun Global, a company owned by the wife of former Kerala Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, for marketing their products in foreign markets.

A vigilance inspection found that the contracts were awarded without competitive tendering during the previous government’s tenure and that the agreements lacked uniformity in their terms and conditions.

The findings relate to a complaint alleging that Ganesh Kumar used his influence as a minister to secure the overseas marketing contract for the company owned by his wife. The complaint was filed before the Vigilance Court in Muvattupuzha.

According to the vigilance findings, no evidence was found to establish that open or competitive tenders had been invited before the contracts were awarded to Midnight Sun Global.

The inspection also found inconsistencies in the duration of the agreements. While some contracts between Milma, KeraFed and the company were for one year, others were valid for three years.

The conditions governing the products also differed across agreements. The Vigilance Bureau said these variations indicated a lack of uniformity in the contractual terms and pointed to prima facie irregularities.
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Vigilance director seeks detailed investigation

The Vigilance Director has submitted a report to the state government recommending a detailed investigation into the matter.

Since the complaint concerns alleged actions by Ganesh Kumar while he was serving as a minister, the Vigilance Bureau can proceed with a further investigation only after obtaining prior government approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
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Court seeks preliminary inquiry report

Vigilance SP E.N. Suresh has submitted a report to the Vigilance Court in Muvattupuzha outlining the steps taken so far.

The court has directed the Vigilance Bureau to submit its preliminary inquiry report when the case is considered again on November 18.