Case against Kerala ex-minister

In another scandal that could define a season of scams in Kerala politics, police on Sunday registered a case against Janta Dal (Secular) MLA and former Transport Minister Jose Thettayil on charges of sexual abuse. 

The case follows a complaint by a woman from Aluva near Ernakulam. 

The complainant alleged that Thettayil had promised her wedding to his son and later sexually abused her. 

The complaint is also filed against the MLA’s son.

Minister for Home Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said the case would be followed up by the Ernakulam Crime Branch. According to sources, the woman has submitted video evidence to support her complaint. 

Meanwhile, Thettayil has come out in defence and claimed innocence on television channels. The MLA admitted that he knew the woman but the complaint was part of a “political conspiracy”.

The allegations follow a major scandal unfolding in the state over links between the solar panel fraud and the office of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. 

Last week, a member of the 24x7 call centre team in the CM’s office was sacked after a woman complained that the employee initiated an “indecent” conversation with her. 
The allegations against Thettayil, who is in the opposition Left Democratic Front fold are set to add steam to the state’s ongoing political battle.