Who leaked files? GCDA seeks answers from officials who opposed stadium allotment for dance event

Kochi: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has sought an explanation from three officials following circulation of GDCA files regarding allotment of stadium for a dance event during which Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas fell down and sustained serious injuries. GCDA Secretary Indu Vijayanath sought an explanation from Sreedevi CB (Estate officer), Sini K A ( Superintendent) and Rajesh Rajappan ( senior clerk) on January 8. They were asked to explain how colour photos of files related to allotment appeared in the media and they were given five days to submit an explanation.

Indu Vijayanath confirmed that she has sought an explanation from the staff concerned and they have submitted a reply. Earlier RTI activist Cheshire Tarzan filed a complaint with the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau, Ernakulam unit saying that the stadium was granted for conducting a dance event, overruling the objection note recorded by the GCDA estate department which manages properties of the authority and that the decision was made at the behest of GCDA chairman K Chandran Pillai. 

Copies of files regarding the matter show that Mridanga vision Managing director Nighosh Kumar filed an application with the GCDA for permit to conduct the event at the stadium on August 23. The official concerned with the Estate department noted on file that the stadium was handed over to Kerala Blasters FC for ISL matches from September 2024 to April 2025 and that the turf was maintained in compliance with FIFA standards, and the application cannot be considered since the stadium was allowed only for football matches.

Cheshire said that he obtained the files via RTI application and an amount of Rs 73 was paid to obtain copies of files. The files showing objection notes from the estate department had put the GCDA in a fix.

Meanwhile the GCDA on Monday placed the Assistant Executive Engineer in charge of the stadium, S S Usha under suspension pending inquiry. GCDA secretary Indu Vijayanath is expected to file a probe report soon.