Kerala: Vigilance probes discrepancies in AI camera installation contracts

Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has started an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the Safe Kerala project's AI camera installation. 

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The investigation is based on a complaint against former Joint Transport Commissioner Rajeev Putthalam. The complaint raised six allegations against Putthalam and a clerk in the Transport Commissioner's office.

According to reports, the government has given permission for a detailed investigation in March.

The purchase of AI cameras, laptops, and automobiles is believed to have involved corruption. In March, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan gave permission for a thorough probe. Even if there is a probe, the vigilance will need to look at how the deal for the AI camera came about and how it got to the phase of tendering.

The Opposition has been criticizing the state government as irregularities over the amount spent on purchasing the equipment raise suspicion. 

According to a government order, the public sector undertaking Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KELTRON) was to carry out the Rs 232.25 crore project. However, when KELTRON awarded subcontracts to two private companies, they took on the responsibility of carrying out the full project for a price of Rs 82.87 crore.

KELTRON's justification stated that the cost of the AI cameras alone was close to Rs 4 lakh. However, documents show that just Rs 1,23,445 was spent on the cameras.

Later, KELTRON awarded a subcontract for the project at Rs 151.22 crores to a Bengaluru-based company, SRIT. On November 16, 2020, SRIT then turned over the same contract to two other companies, Lyte Master Lighting India and Presidio Technology.

According to the agreement, Lyte Master Lighting India was in charge of making the equipment purchases and covering the costs. The cameras' installation, however, was under the purview of Presidio Technology. According to reports, Lyte Master received the purchase orders and further information regarding the necessary equipment on the day the contract was signed, which raises more questions.