Saritha gives more 'proof' to nail Chandy

Submits four CDs with audio and video files

Solar scam accused Saritha Nair on Monday submitted before a judicial commission four CDs with audio files and video footage to prove Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s alleged efforts, through mediators, to “settle” the cases.

Speaking with reporters after recording evidence before the G Sivarajan Commission in Kochi, she said the CDs contained conversations involving Chandy’s former security staff member Salimraj, Congress MLA Benny Behanan and Thampanoor Ravi, both trusted aides of the chief minister, and businessman-politician Abraham Kalamannil.

Saritha deposed before the commission that Ravi and Behanan directed her to file a sexual harassment petition against Congress MLA A P Abdullakutty to “divert” attention from high-level corruption involved in the scam.

In audio files later released to television channels, Saritha is heard complaining to Behanan that promises were not kept, while she was being made to look like a fraudster. “Why should the favours come only from my side?” she asks even as Behanan tries to pacify her with vague assurances.

The MLA, however, raised questions on the authenticity of the recorded conversation. Reacting to Behanan’s rebuttal, Saritha challenged him to face a formal probe on authenticity of the evidence. “Let them file a FIR and face the probe. But let laboratories outside Kerala check the evidence… I don’t think the official machinery here would go against the chief minister,” she said. If a formal investigation is launched on these charges, more evidence will be submitted, Saritha said.