Kerala Home Minister Initiates Probe into Corruption Allegations Linked to Election Commissioner

Kerala's Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has ordered a Vigilance investigation into corruption allegations tied to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a road project. This inquiry follows a complaint regarding the 2006 death of a Malaysian contractor associated with the project. The investigation aims to address claims of malpractices during Kumar's tenure as PWD secretary. Despite previous probes, no criminal findings have been established against Kumar. This development comes amid ongoing political scrutiny of Kumar's role in the Election Commission, particularly concerning electoral roll revisions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 4, 2026, 15:10 IST

Investigation Ordered into Corruption Claims

File image of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during a press briefing. (Photo:X)

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 4: Ramesh Chennithala, the Home Minister of Kerala, has initiated a Vigilance investigation into allegations of corruption related to the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) road project. This inquiry also pertains to the 2006 death of a Malaysian contractor involved in the project, during the tenure of Gyanesh Kumar as the secretary of the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD).

The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by KPCC leader Malayinkeezhu Venugopal, who requested a thorough examination of the allegations against Kumar.

Chennithala has instructed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to carry out a preliminary inquiry to determine the next steps, according to sources.

The case revolves around Malaysian civil engineer Lee See Been, who was part of the PATI-BEL consortium responsible for the widening and upgrading of the Main Central Road (MC Road) under the KSTP.

At that time, Kumar was serving in the PWD. Following Been’s death, a Vigilance investigation was initiated in 2006, but it did not progress, and Kumar subsequently transferred to the Defence Ministry on deputation, as per sources.

Chennithala noted that Venugopal’s complaint highlighted allegations of 'malpractices and corrupt activities' during Kumar's time as PWD secretary.

He emphasized that the current actions of the Kerala government are independent of the Opposition's criticisms directed at the Election Commission regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Reports from that period indicated that several bills, totaling approximately Rs 13 crore, were outstanding in relation to the project.

A note found after Been's death reportedly implicated Gyanesh Kumar, alleging issues such as delayed clearances, harassment, and corruption involving PWD officials.

Despite these serious allegations, there have been no convictions or judicial findings confirming any criminal misconduct by Gyanesh Kumar concerning the 2006 incident.

The new Vigilance inquiry is not an indication of wrongdoing but rather an investigation into the allegations and the previous handling of the case.

This development occurs amid broader political scrutiny of Kumar in his capacity as Chief Election Commissioner, particularly regarding the electoral rolls revision.

Chennithala reiterated that the Kerala government's actions are separate from the ongoing Opposition campaign against the Election Commission.

Gyanesh Kumar, an IAS officer from Kerala, has held various positions within the state before transitioning to central government roles.

With inputs from agencies