This Article is From Oct 26, 2016

Oommen Chandy Told To Pay Rs 1.5 Crore To Businessman In Kerala Solar Scam

On Facebook Oommen Chandy said he was not "given any time" by the court.

Thiruvananthapuram: Just as the opposition Congress had got prepared to launch an attack on the CPM-led LDF government in Kerala on allegations of corruption, the party appears to have landed in fresh trouble.

Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, along with 5 others, has been told by a Bengaluru civil court to pay back Rs 1.5 crore to businessman MK Kuruvilla in the solar panel scam.

The businessman was promised solar panels on cheap rates, but was duped by a company which claimed it was close to Mr Chandy.

The court gave today's judgment without hearing Mr Chandy, who allegedly did not respond to summons. The former Chief Minister has denied the allegation, saying he will appeal to a higher court.

Mr Chandy, who is now out of the country, wrote on Facebook: "I was not given any time by the court. When I was the Chief Minister, Kuruvila met me but I didn't have any associates he named. I still handed over the complaint to the police. The accused were arrested and case investigated. I am sure I can prove before court that I have no direct or indirect role in this."

But the Left government in Kerala, which had one its key ministers, EP Jayarajan, resign over allegations of corruption within five months of coming to power, is demanding the resignation of Oommen Chandy as a legislator.

CPM state secretary  Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told reporters, "It is clear this is why Oommen Chandy did not want to become Opposition Leader. He knew there is more to come. He has to go".
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