LSG department sanctions to prosecute former GCDA secretary R Lalu over Mundamveli caged fish farming project

Kochi: The govt has accorded sanction to prosecute former Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) secretary R Lalu in connection with alleged irregularities in the Mundamveli cage fish farming project. The local self-govt department issued a sanction based on a report submitted by vigilance and anti-corruption bureau (VACB) Ernakulam.According to VACB investigation Lalu, while serving as GCDA secretary, allegedly abused his official position and conspired with one Simon Varghese to implement the project without conducting any feasibility study or following proper tender procedures. The order was issued by Sharmila Mary Joseph, principal secretary to the govt. The probe revealed that Lalu handpicked Varghese as the project consultant and on July 3, 2015, signed an agreement with him that placed the financial liability of the project on GCDA. An advance of Rs 10.8 lakh was reportedly released to Varghese, who later claimed that the fish stock purchased from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA) had died due to overgrowth.Meanwhile, it is alleged that without verifying this claim, Lalu sanctioned an additional Rs 5 lakh on April 27, 2016, followed by a further Rs 50,000 as supervisory charges allegedly in violation of govt guidelines. The total amount disbursed to Varghese came to Rs 16.3 lakh, which investigators say resulted in a corresponding loss to the GCDA. The govt stated that the actions of both Lalu and Varghese amounted to offences punishable under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code (criminal conspiracy).After examining the evidence and circumstances, the state govt has granted sanction under Section 19(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act for the prosecution of R Lalu. The sanction also applies to any other offences applicable under law in connection with the case.