THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: V D Satheesan MLA has written to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy seeking a CBI inquiry into the alleged contribution of Rs 2 crore made by lottery king Santiago Martin to the CPM mouthpiece Deshabhimani.Satheesan, in his letter, also said that the alleged links of Arun Kumar, son of former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, with the lottery mafia should also be brought under the purview of the CBI investigation.Satheesan’s was replying to the Chief Minister’s letter seeking his opinion on the CBI investigation into the lottery scandal.In the letter, Satheesan said that though the other state lotteries had claimed that the draw had been taking place in secret locations, how come the CPM-controlled Kairali, People, and SS Music television channels were airing the draw live. He urged the Chief Minister to probe this to clear the confusion about the draw.Satheesan also urged Chandy to find out whether these channels were getting any financial help from the lottery agencies or any other people who were involved in this trade. The Congress leader, in his letter, stressed the need for a comprehensive inquiry to find out the nexus between the lottery mafia and the government officials who had allowed them to flourish in the state. The agreement with the Bhutan and Sikkim Governments, Megha Distributors and Monica Agencies should be reconsidered.All lottery trade conducted in the state flouting Centre’s norms should also be brought under the purview of the CBI inquiry. The permission given to print the lotteries at unauthorised printing presses also has to be probed, the Congress leader demanded. Satheesan also conveyed to the Chief Minister the need to find out whether the other state lotteries were giving away prizes to the winners and, if so, who all have received them.
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