CPI(M) Expels Member Over Alleged Bribery Scandal

The CPI(M) expelled K V Pramod, a Kozhikode Town Area Committee member, amid allegations of bribery linked to appointments in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC). The party stated that Pramod tarnished its public image. Pramod protested, claiming innocence and calling the allegations media fabrications. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan asserted recruitment processes are corruption-free.

The CPI(M) on Saturday expelled K V Pramod, a member of its Kozhikode Town Area Committee, amid serious bribery allegations related to appointments in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC).

The ruling CPI(M) District Secretariat issued a statement noting that Pramod was removed due to tarnishing the party's image, although it did not directly address the bribery claims.

This controversy first came to light when the Opposition raised concerns in the state Assembly following media reports alleging that Pramod had accepted bribes from a doctor in exchange for securing a PSC position.

The District Secretariat convened on Saturday and decided to take action against Pramod following the emergence of his name in news reports related to the scandal.

Pramod, accompanied by his mother and son, visited Sreejith, the individual who reportedly made the bribery claims, and protested, demanding proof of the accusations.

In a media statement on Saturday, Pramod insisted on his innocence and accused media houses of falsely implicating him in the bribery scandal, asserting that he is not influential enough to orchestrate such corruption.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan earlier addressed the Assembly, stating persistent efforts were being made to tarnish the Kerala PSC's reputation.

Vijayan emphasized that the recruitment and appointment process for PSC members is transparent and corruption-free but acknowledged that fraudulent activities exist in society and promised serious action against proven fraud.