Kerala Government Orders Fresh Vigilance Inquiry into Second Bribery Complaint Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

The Kerala government has ordered a preliminary vigilance inquiry into a second complaint alleging corruption and bribery against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in connection with a road development project undertaken nearly two decades ago.

The latest complaint was filed by Sajan, a contractor from Chadayamangalam in Kollam district, who has alleged that Kumar demanded a bribe of ₹2 crore to release payments for completed construction work under the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) in 2006. At the time, Kumar was serving as the Secretary of the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD).

According to reports, the Kerala Home Department has directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the fresh allegations. The complaint has brought renewed attention to a controversy involving delayed project payments, alleged demands for illegal gratification and the death of Malaysian engineer Lee See Been in 2006.

Contractor Alleges ₹2 Crore Bribe Demand

In his complaint to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Sajan alleged that Kumar withheld cheques worth approximately ₹17 crore despite the bills having been approved by engineers. He claimed that the payments were related to work undertaken by PATI-BEL, a consortium involved in the Kerala State Transport Project.

The contractor further alleged that the Malaysian company’s project engineer, Lee See Been, had informed him that the payments were being withheld because the authorities were allegedly demanding a bribe.

Sajan claimed that the company refused to pay the alleged bribe and that the delay in releasing the payments created financial difficulties for contractors, workers and the company.

The complainant has also alleged that the situation contributed to the mental distress faced by Lee, who died by suicide in Malaysia in 2006. These claims remain allegations and have not been established by an investigation.

Malaysian Engineer’s Death Revisited

The controversy is linked to the death of Lee See Been, who was associated with the PATI-BEL consortium responsible for carrying out road development work under the World Bank-assisted Kerala State Transport Project.

According to the complaint, Lee had faced difficulties because of delays in clearing project-related payments. Sajan has claimed that the Malaysian engineer mentioned Kumar’s alleged role in a suicide note.

The latest complaint also questions the adequacy of the earlier vigilance investigation, with Sajan alleging that several people who could provide information about the alleged bribery demand were not questioned.

He has reportedly offered to produce former company employees, members of Lee’s family and other individuals who could provide information to investigators.

Second Complaint After Earlier Request for Investigation

The fresh complaint comes after Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala ordered renewed scrutiny of allegations against Kumar in October 2026.

The earlier complaint was submitted by Congress leader Malayinkeezhu Venugopal, who sought a detailed examination of allegations relating to Kumar’s tenure as PWD Secretary in 2006. It also raised questions about the circumstances in which previous vigilance inquiries into the matter were closed.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had previously examined allegations connected with the Kerala State Transport Project. However, earlier investigations were reportedly closed after the allegations could not be substantiated.

The latest complaint has now prompted authorities to examine additional claims and determine whether further investigation is required.