Solar Scam Accused Allegedly Paid Rs 5.5 Crores to Kerala CM

Chandy’s office had supposedly played a key role in both, the growth and the fall of the solar energy company.

Solar scam accused Biju Radhakrishnan. (Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

Solar scam accused Biju Radhakrishnan allegedly paid Rs 5.5 crores as bribe to the Kerala CM as per his reported deposition before the Solar Commission. The money was apparently handed over in three phases, with Biju himself delivering Rs 5.10 lakhs to CM Oommen Chandy who apparently played a key role in the planning and growth of Team Solar, according to news reports.

According to the statement, the CM’s office had supposedly played a key role in both, the growth as well as the fall of the solar energy company. Team Solar was visualised as a company with an estimated capital of Rs 400 crores. The profit share reportedly agreed to was 60:40, with 40 per cent being the CM’s share.

Chandy had apparently agreed to give 70 acres of land belonging to the Kinfra Park in Palakkad for the setting up of the company. Talks were allegedly held in the Ernakulam rest house. Money exchanged hands on the directions of CM’s former gunman Salim Raj, it was reported.

Biju’s statement before the Commission also reportedly mentions how in addition to the bribe, money was paid to the CM and his office for various other needs, with payment being made to the Disaster Relief Fund too. When certain cheques written to the said Fund bounced, the payment was allegedly made in cash to the CM’s office.

The statement also reportedly refers to meetings with the CM along with Sreedharan Nair. Biju apparently told the Commission that he was fully conscious of the threat to his life while making such charges against the CM.