CPI-M to probe allegations against senior party leader

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Saturday ordered a probe by a two-member panel against the allegations against P. Sasi, a member of the state committee and former political secretary to erstwhile chief minister E.K. Nayanar during 1996-2001.

The name of Sasi, the Kannur district party secretary till end of last year until he took leave to undergo medical treatment, has cropped up in the Kozhikode ice cream parlour sex scandal case, in which Indian Union Muslim League leader P. Kunhalikutty is allegedly involved.

Speaking to reporters after the top level party meeting here, CPI-M state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said that a two member panel will comprise former Rajya Sabha member V.S. Vijayaraghavan and LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan.

“I will tell all of you about the details of what the probe is at a later date. At the moment this is an internal party issue and I don’t have to discuss with you,” said Vijayan.

Responding to a question if the allegations against Sasi are related to complaints of misbehaviour with women, a peeved Vijayan shot back: “I have already told you that it would be told to you at the appropriate time.”

Sasi is considered a close aide of Vijayan.

Earlier in the day, media reports said Sasi has written a letter to Vijayan asking him to rein in Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan who has been ruthlessly attacking him.

Asked about the issue, Vijayan said: “I am yet to see the letter what you people claim has been written by Sasi”, before ending the press conference.