| The
recent Liquor Tragedy killed many innocent people. The
poisonous liquor is part of a very large illegal liquor
distribution network which has been going on in Kerala,
right in front of our political masters and 140 MLAs. No
one dared to say a word in public, except for the fact
that M.A.John has been warning such tragedy for the last
two years. Upon his insistence two MLAs had taken up the
issue in Kerala Assembly in December 1999. But the
minister evaded the issue. MA John had filed a personal
suit at the Ombudsman months before the tragedy.
Here is the Hindu report on John's Press Conference after the tragedy. Courtesy: The Hindu
|
Congress (I) Leader demands
arrest of Excise Minister
|
1 Nov 2000| KOTTAYAM, OCT. 30.
The Congress(I) leader, Mr. M. A. John,
has alleged that the Excise Minister, Mr. T.
Sivadasa Menon, was personally responsible for
the liquor tragedy in the State and demanded the
arrest and trial of the Minister for 'murder'. Addressing presspersons here today, Mr. John asked the UDF leaders to clarify whether they would arrest and try the Minister if they came to power after the Assembly polls. Mr. John said that during the past two years the issue of illicit liquor trade in Kollam district was brought before the attention of the Minister and the Government more than once. The issue was raised through official letters, investigation reports, newspaper reports and he had even filed a suit before the Lok Ayukta. However, the Minister concerned had not taken any action. On the contrary, the Minister had only tried to resist such complaints and John added that as such the Minister should be taken as an accused in the liquor tragedy. An investigation by the Excise vigilance wing had clearly mentioned the nexus between the liquor traders and a section of the Excise Department officials. Not only the Minister took no action, he also tried to conceal the findings of the investigation, Mr John alleged. He also alleged that the Minister had colluded with the liquor dons when they unleashed a reign of terror against those who tried to raise the issue before the public. Mr. John came down heavily on the Lok Ayukta Act and alleged that it was not strong enough to bring politicians engaged in corrupt activities to book. |
The Act has been
formulated in such a way that even if found
guilty, the Lok Ayukta was not empowered to
initiate action against the culprits. On the
other hand, it has been empowered to punish those
Iwho file petition before the Lok Ayukta. The collusion of political leaders, both in the ruling Front and those in the Opposition had led to this situation. Mr. John said. When his complaint came up before the Lok Ayukta. it was disposed on the plea that the issue was being investigated into, by the Crime Branch police, he said. According to Mr John, there is an attempt to hold a few Excise officials responsible for the present tragedy. However, in addition to politicians, the police and even revenue officials were responsible as the rules clearly give responsibility to various departments in enforcing the arrack ban in the State. He said just like the CPI(M) leaders who were busy with special convention and the march when scores of people fell victims to the liquor mafia, the Congress(l) leaders too w busy ensuring their positions in the party in New Delhi. According to the Congress(I) leader, illicit liquor trade has assumed the role of a big business with an estimated annual turn over of Rs. 12,00 crores, with politicians, officials and the mafia dons cornering their own shares. |