Cashew import scam: HC expresses dissatisfaction yet again

The Kerala High Court has yet again expressed its dissatisfaction at the State government for denying sanction for a CBI probe against R. Chandrasekharan, former chairman of the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC), and P.A. Ratheesh, former managing director, in a ₹600-crore corruption case involving the import of raw cashew between 2006 and 2015.

The court made the observation after the government denied permission thrice for a CBI probe in the case and also contended that it was not contempt of court.

Earlier this month, the court had asked whether the government that was committed to ensuring the rule of law and fighting corruption was protecting persons facing corruption allegations in the case, by denying sanction for a CBI probe.

The court was hearing a contempt plea filed by Kadamkampally Manoj of Kollam, alleging corruption in the import of raw cashew nut by the Kerala Cashew Board and the State’s refusal to grant sanction for a CBI probe in the matter. The High Court had ordered an inquiry into the alleged scam in 2015, given its international ramifications.

The matter was posted for hearing on December 8.