A Vigilance court in Thiruvanathapuram has ordered further probe into graft allegations against Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani in connection with the bar bribery case.
The court observed that the charges against Mani is valid prima facie and that all the evidences should be scanned further.
Judge John K Illikkadan rapped Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau Director Vinson M Paul for interfering in the case and directed probe officer SP R Sukesan to take charge of the case.
Meanwhile, minister Mani welcomed any further probe into the case, saying that all charges should be cleared without doubts.
"Let the court investigate 101 times and check all the evidences," Mani told reporters on Thursday. "All charges against me should be cleared without any doubts. I will come out innocent, once the probe is over."
Following the court decision, the Opposition has been demanding the Kerala minister to resign from his post. However, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that resignation is not necessary as the final verdict has not come yet.
