Kerala High Court issues notice to VACB Director on petition against DGP

The Kerala High Court has directed the Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) and the Director General of Police (DGP), S. Sreejith, to respond to a petition alleging serious misconduct during his tenure as Transport Commissioner. The court issued its notice on Friday, following a request from an assistant motor vehicles inspector who claims that Mr. Sreejith engaged in systematic corruption, including forming an unofficial “Transport Commissioner’s Squad” to target subordinates and enable illegal activities. The petition accuses him of owning a spa in the United Arab Emirates under a benami name and conducting unauthorized foreign travel linked to money laundering. It also states that he maintains close ties with an individual implicated in the Sabarimala dwarapalaka gold theft case. According to the petition, the complainant raised these allegations earlier, prompting the High Court to direct the Additional Chief Secretary to investigate and submit a report. However, the petitioner argues that the report provided a “clean chit” to Mr. Sreejith without a comprehensive examination of the benami assets. This omission, the petitioner contends, undermines the integrity of the process and allows potential wrongdoing to go unchecked. The court's notice indicates that it will scrutinize whether due diligence was carried out in addressing the concerns raised. The petition outlines specific accusations against Mr. Sreejith, including the establishment of the so-called “Transport Commissioner’s Squad,” which allegedly served as a tool to suppress dissent and manipulate administrative processes. The complainant asserts that this group was used to penalize junior officials and create an environment conducive to illicit financial dealings. Additionally, the petition highlights the ownership of the UAE-based spa, suggesting that such property could be a means of concealing wealth through benami transactions, a practice often associated with tax evasion and money laundering. The Sabarimala dwarapalaka gold theft case further complicates the situation, as the petition links Mr. Sreejith to an individual already under scrutiny for criminal activity. While the exact nature of their relationship remains unspecified, the inclusion of this detail underscores the broader concern over potential connections between high-ranking officials and organized crime. The petitioner believes that these associations could compromise the impartiality of law enforcement and erode public trust in the system. The involvement of the VACB and the DGP signals a formal escalation of the issue, as both entities are tasked with investigating corruption and maintaining law and order. The court’s decision to summon the director of the VACB implies that there is a need for external oversight beyond internal administrative channels. This step reflects growing pressure on authorities to address systemic corruption within state institutions, particularly in sectors where discretionary powers are extensive. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold over the coming weeks, with the court likely to schedule hearings once the required responses are received. The outcome could set a precedent for how such allegations are handled in the future, especially regarding the transparency of asset declarations and the accountability of senior officials. Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala case and the scrutiny of Mr. Sreejith’s personal finances may lead to additional legal actions or policy reforms aimed at curbing corruption in public service.