Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani
Kerala Finance Minister and Chairman of Kerala Congress (M) KM Mani today issued a Rs 10 crore defamation notice to Kerala Hotel and Bar Association Working President Biju Ramesh.
The notice demands a public apology from Mr Ramesh through media and withdrawal of statements within seven days. It also demands Rs 10 crores as compensation. In the absence of both, the notice threatens Mr Ramesh with a civil and criminal case.
Mr Ramesh had earlier claimed that Mr Mani asked for a bribe of Rs 5 crores for renewal of licenses of the bars which were earlier shut by the government in the year on accounts of being 'sub-standard.' Mr Ramesh also stated that Mr Mani was allegedly paid Rs 1 crore for the same.
The bribery allegations are currently being investigated by the government's vigilance department.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had earlier backed his key ally, stating that the allegations were baseless.