Elathoor MLA AK Saseendran, who resigned as the Kerala transport minister on Sunday following allegations of sexual harassment, told Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday that there was something “unnatural” about the news report that had claimed he had used inappropriate language with a woman.
After his meeting with Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, Saseendran said an inquiry will be launched into the accusations, but he did not know which agency will lead the investigation, PTI reported. On Sunday, Malayalam channel Mangalam had released a “leaked” audio clip as their first bulletin, in which a man could purportedly be heard being lewd with a woman. The channel had alleged that it was Saseendran’s voice in the clip.
After their meeting, the Kerala chief minister said at a press conference that a judicial investigation will be conducted on the allegations against Saseendran. Vijayan will hold the transport minister’s portfolio till the government comes to a decision on a replacement.
Saseendran was the only Nationalist Congress Party minister in the Cabinet. Thomas Chandy was chosen to replace him on Tuesday.
Saseendran has asserted that the transport minister’s post was not as important to him as proving his innocence. Kerala Director General of Police Loknath Behara, who also held discussions with the chief minister, said they had not received a complaint on the allegations yet.
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