Kerala: District collector's report confirms land encroachment by minister Thomas Chandy
An inquiry conducted by Alappuzha district collector TU Anupama against cabinet minister Thomas Chandy, who has been accused of land encroachment, has found that the allegations are true.
In Short
- Encroachment allegations against Thomas Chandy found to be true.
- The inquiry was conducted by Alappuzha district collector TU Anupama.
- Lake Palace Resort, which is owned by Chandy, has encroached portions of Punnamada lake.
In a huge setback for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government in Kerala, an inquiry conducted by Alappuzha district collector TU Anupama has found that the land encroachment allegations against cabinet minister Thomas Chandy are true.
According to sources in the revenue department, the inquiry revealed that Lake Palace Resort, which is owned by Thomas Chandy, has encroached portions of Punnamada lake. A detailed analysis of the satellite image data confirmed that there are some irregularities in the disputed area.
The parking area of the resort close to banks of the lake was also constructed illegally, the interim report says. The report submitted to revenue minister further recommends detailed probe into the encroachment. According to the sources in the ruling front, it is most likely that the Chief Minister Pinaryai Vijayan will demand resignation from Thomas Chandy in a couple of days. If Chandy resigns it would the exit of 3rd minister in the Pinarayi Cabinet, which has sworn in on June last year.
Earlier, when the allegation first surfaced, Thomas Chandy said that he would resign if the allegations were proven. However, today, while responding to the inquiry report, he said, "There is a conspiracy behind these allegations. I'm ready to resign if chief minister demands it."
Based on a complaint filed by the leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau have sought legal opinion on registering a case against the minister. There have also been allegations that Chandy has encroached land, which actually belongs to Mathur Devasom in Alappuzha. The complaint said that the minister has procured these land without proper documents. It also said that the previous owner of the land had earlier encroached this land, which actually belongs to the Devasom and later sold to Thomas Chandy.
Thomas Chandy, commonly known as Kuwait Chandy, is an NRI businessman-turned-politician who has represented Kuttanad constituency for the 3rd straight time. Interestingly, Thomas Chandy is the richest legislator in the Kerala assembly with estimated assets worth Rs 920 million.
With pressure mounting on the minister and ruling front, it is most likely that the political turmoil in Kerala is all set to intensify in the days to come.