Kannur: Following the corruption allegations made against Naveen Babu, former Kannur assistant collector by CPI(M) leader PP Divya and the various speculations over a letter sent to Chief Minister over bribery, a lot of unanswered questions have been raised on granting permission to such fuel stations. It is in this context that Union Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi who visited the family of Naveen Babu has announced a probe into the details of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for petrol pump allotments in the last 25 years in the state.
“One thing is very clear. We are going to probe on how NOCs was granted to petrol pumps as there are apprehensions raised from many quarters. Like how the public and the media have raised questions on this matter, even I have serious doubts on the matter and hence we have decided to investigate the matter in detail”, said MP Suresh Gopi to the media in Malayalappuzha.
“The official details about the NOCs were already discussed. Further procedures will begin within a week. It is necessary to examine the complaints regarding the NOCs for petrol pumps granted over the past 25 years,” said the minister. He also said the family had not requested an investigation at the moment.
“However, I have several doubts, just as the media have received certain information from official sources. The Petroleum Ministry has guidelines, and any action violating these, irrespective of who is involved, will face consequences,” he said.
Pointing out that government officials are facing severe harassment in such cases, Suresh Gopi said he was getting the relevant information from the officials of the Petroleum Ministry. “The court has to take the final decision. It will be decided accordingly,” the minister said.
After paying a visit at the residence of Naveen Babu in Malayalappuzha, he said the family told him that his visit brought them relief.
