Kerala Govt orders probe into 20-year-old corruption allegations against CEC Gyanesh Kumar Vigilance Investigation
New Delhi, Oct 5, 2026: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar is facing a vigilance inquiry into alleged irregularities that happened about two decades ago. Vigilance probe has been ordered into allegations related to the tenure of Gyanesh Kumar as Secretary of Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) in 2006, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said.
According to media reports, the investigation has been started on the basis of a complaint filed by Malayinkeezh Venugopal. The complaint is reportedly calling for an investigation into alleged irregularities in the awarding of government construction contracts during Gyanesh Kumar’s tenure as PWD Secretary.
Allegations of PWD Projects, 2006
The charges are reportedly connected to the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP), a road development project which is funded by the World Bank. At the time, Gyanesh Kumar was the PWD Secretary of Kerala.
Reports say the complaint challenges the awarding of contracts and some payments related to government construction projects.
However, these are allegations at this stage and have not been proven to be facts. “The vigilance inquiry will probably investigate the records and circumstances of the projects.
Case Tied to Death Of Malaysian Engineer
It is also said to be about the death of Malaysian civil engineer Lee See Been who was connected to the KSTP project. Earlier reports said his death and project problems had resulted in a vigilance probe in 2006.
Now, after the new complaint, the Kerala government has decided to re-open the old allegations.
Vigilance Agency to Probe the Allegations
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has been asked to conduct a preliminary inquiry and act further as per the law in force.
The probe is expected to look into the allegations about contract awards, project payments and other issues raised in the complaint.
No allegation has been proved to date.
It must be noted that an order for a vigilance inquiry does not amount to an acceptance of the allegations against Gyanesh Kumar. The purpose of the investigation is to determine what happened and whether there was any wrongdoing.
Whether any further legal proceedings will be required in the case will depend on the results of the vigilance inquiry.
