he emergence of corruption allegations in connection with the ongoing construction of the first IT building in SmartCity Kochi has dealt another blow to the credibility of the project.
Things had taken a turn for the worse when the then CEO Gigo Joseph stepped down all of a sudden in June-end just ahead of the July-deadline set for the inauguration of the first IT building.
While in his departing note, Mr. Joseph said he had put in his papers on his own, SmartCity sources hinted that he was asked to do so. By then the project had missed the deadline and when asked about the reasons for the delay, Baju George, Managing Director, SmartCity (India) who had stepped in to take over the execution of the project, indirectly put the blame on Mr. Joseph.
Now when corruption allegations targeting Mr. Joseph have emerged three months after he quit, sources close to him regard it as witch-hunt by some quarters alluding to Mr. George.
They said that if there was any such corruption, Mr. George cannot wash his hands of as he was also part of the project all through.
Meanwhile, Mr. George said the audit was under way and that he was not authorised to comment.
When contacted, Principal IT Secretary P.H. Kurian, who is also the Director Board member of SmartCity, said the audit has been initiated by the Tecom and that the report has not come up before the board.
Joseph C. Mathew, IT adviser to the former Chief Minister, said that whether the instant allegation with regard to use of substandard iron bars is true or not, there is no doubt that corruption has taken place.
“That’s the reason why Opposition leader V.S. Achuthanandan had shot off a letter to Dubai government drawing attention to corruption a few months back,” he said.
Mr. Mathew said the recent audit to take stock of the financial prudence may have something to do with the replacement of Abdul Latheef Al Mulla by Jabir bin Hafez as vice chairman of SmartCity Kochi.
Some view the corruption charges as a witch-hunt against the former ceo
