Thiruvananthapuram, July 14 (IANS) The Kerala government on Tuesday ordered a Crime Branch investigation into the controversial audio clip purportedly featuring former Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty, in which the devastating 2018 Kerala floods that occurred during the Pinarayi Vijayan regime are allegedly described as the result of a criminal conspiracy and human intervention.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala ordered the probe on a complaint filed by a private individual seeking a comprehensive investigation into the authenticity of the audio recording and the serious allegations it contains.

The complainant urged the Kerala government to ascertain the veracity of the tape and bring the truth before the public.

The audio clip, which surfaced on the eve of the Assembly elections, had triggered a political storm after Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan alleged that the 2018 floods were man-made and accused the then Irrigation Department of deliberately delaying the opening of the Thottappally spillway to protect the commercial interests of a private contractor.

Kuzhalnadan released the purported audio recording, allegedly featuring Krishnankutty, claiming it indicated that despite repeated requests from departmental officials, the spillway remained closed for nearly a month as its opening would have washed away valuable mineral sand deposits contracted to a private firm.

He further alleged that the delay aggravated flooding in low-lying regions, including Chengannur, while benefiting private interests.

The audio also purportedly refers to irregularities in dam management and decisions allegedly influenced by financial considerations.

The allegations had revived long-standing differences within the JD(S), an ally of the then ruling LDF government.

The controversy centred on former Irrigation Minister Mathew T. Thomas, who rejected the accusations and maintained that expert studies, including those by IIT Madras, had already established that the handling of the floods was proper.

He had dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and timed to coincide with the election campaign.

Krishnankutty, meanwhile, questioned the authenticity of the audio and suggested it could be an AI-generated fabrication.

Krishnankutty had said he would consult his legal team before deciding on further action.

The controversy assumed political significance during the Assembly election campaign.

Mathew T. Thomas, a five-time legislator, lost the Thiruvalla seat and finished third, while Krishnankutty did not contest the election.

With the Crime Branch now tasked with investigating the authenticity of the recording and the allegations arising from it, the probe is expected to include forensic examination of the audio and scrutiny of the claims surrounding the management of the 2018 floods, a tragedy that claimed hundreds of lives and displaced lakhs across Kerala.

–IANS

sg/rad