The Kerala government has initiated a Crime Branch investigation into an audio clip involving former Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty, where the 2018 Kerala floods during the Pinarayi Vijayan regime are alleged to be part of a criminal conspiracy. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala directed the probe following a complaint seeking a thorough examination of the audio’s authenticity and its serious accusations. The complainant urged the government to verify the tape’s truthfulness and reveal it to the public.
The audio recording, which emerged before the Assembly elections, sparked a political uproar after Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan claimed that the floods were man-made. He accused the Irrigation Department of intentionally delaying the opening of the Thottappally spillway to protect the interests of a private contractor. Kuzhalnadan released the alleged audio featuring Krishnankutty, suggesting that the spillway’s delayed opening led to worsened flooding in certain areas while benefiting private entities.
Allegations in the audio also point to irregularities in dam management and decisions influenced by financial motives. The controversy reignited internal disputes within the JD(S), an ally of the former ruling LDF government. Former Irrigation Minister Mathew T. Thomas refuted the claims, stating that expert studies, including those by IIT Madras, had validated the flood management practices. He dismissed the accusations as politically driven and timed for the election season.
Krishnankutty cast doubt on the audio’s authenticity, hinting that it could be an AI-generated fabrication. He mentioned considering legal advice before taking further steps. The issue gained political significance during the Assembly election campaign, with Mathew T. Thomas losing his seat and Krishnankutty abstaining from contesting. The Crime Branch is now tasked with verifying the recording’s authenticity and investigating the flood management allegations, which caused significant loss of life and displacement in Kerala.
