Wed Apr 16 08:41:12 UTC 2025: ## Top Kerala Official Accuses Conspirators of Smear Campaign Following CBI Re-investigation Order

**Thiruvananthapuram, April 16, 2025** – K.M. Abraham, Chief Principal Secretary to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has accused individuals of orchestrating a smear campaign to damage his reputation and undermine his credibility. This follows a Kerala High Court order directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to re-investigate a disproportionate assets case against him.

The High Court’s decision stemmed from a criminal miscellaneous case filed by public interest litigant Jomon Puthenpurackal. Abraham, a former Chief Secretary of Kerala, contends that the case is based on a “conspiracy” involving a “mercenary operator” acting on behalf of two public sector unit (PSU) heads whom Abraham accused of financial misconduct in 2014 while serving as Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance department. He notes that an anti-corruption court dismissed a similar case in 2018.

Abraham alleges that the High Court’s order is procedurally improper, arguing that a judge hearing a criminal miscellaneous petition lacks the authority to order a CBI probe. He further accuses the petitioner of “forum shopping” and claims the court improperly heard the case despite a change in the judicial roster. He points to the inclusion of his wife’s bank transactions as “imagined grounds” for the inquiry.

Abraham alleges that Puthenpurackal is motivated by personal vendetta, citing a 2005 Lok Ayukta observation characterizing Puthenpurackal’s public interest litigations as improperly motivated. Abraham also claims Puthenpurackal illegally occupied a room in a government guesthouse. Puthenpurackal denies these allegations.

Abraham has submitted a detailed account of his assets and liabilities to Chief Minister Vijayan and maintains his innocence. He accuses Puthenpurackal and his alleged associates of publicly disparaging him following the High Court ruling. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and accusations of political maneuvering within the Kerala government.

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