Thiruvananthapuram:
In a new turn to a decade-long sex scandal in Kerala, investigators have found that there was no ground for re-opening the case based on the allegation that the original probe was sabotaged by IUML leader and state Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty.
According to sources, the special investigation team set up to probe the allegation recently filed its report in a court in Kozhikode stating that there was no evidence to substantiate the charge that the 'Ice cream parlour' sex scandal case was sabotaged.
The case pertains to allegations that an ice cream parlour in Kozhikode beach was used as a cover for running a sex racket in the late 1990s.
Though he never became an accused in the case, Kunhalikutty had come under a cloud in the wake of the scandal and even quit the ministry then.
The scandal resurfaced last year, on the eve of assembly polls, with a relative of Kunhalikutty saying that he had helped his kin to wriggle out of the case by indulging in improper means, including bribing the witnesses and meddling in the legal processes.
A fresh probe was ordered by the then LDF Government headed by V S Achuthanandan on revelations of K A Rauf, a relative of Kunhalikutty.
Reacting to the reports on the fresh turn in the case, Mr Achuthanandan said he would continue his legal battle.
"It is evident from the reports there has been a conspiracy to sabotage the case this time as well. The police have adopted flawed legal processes", he told reporters.
Meanwhile, Mr Rauf said he would consult his lawyers and carry forward with legal procedures against the decision of the investigators.
Countering Mr Achuthanandan's charge, IUML state general secretary K P A Majeed said the CPI(M) leader appeared to be oblivious of the fact that the allegation was probed by a police team set up when his Ministry was in power.
The team had reached its conclusions after conducting an "honest and transparent" investigation, Mr Majeed told reporters in Malappuram.
He said IUML is glad that the investigation had proved the charge against Kunhalikutty was baseless and concocted by rivals to tarnish his image.