Kozhikode urges faster probe into building number scam

The Kozhikode Corporation Council has asked the State government to hurry up the investigation into a building number scam. This scam involved the alleged leaking of user IDs and passwords of Corporation employees to commit fraud. The Vigilance department is handling the investigation. During a recent council meeting, Secretary K.U. Bini discussed the reinstatement of two suspended employees related to the scam. The council requested the government to accelerate the investigation and quickly submit the chargesheet. So far, 202 unauthorized buildings were identified that improperly received building numbers through this fraud. The Corporation has canceled these building numbers and issued tax demand notices. However, building owners have obtained an injunction from the Kerala Administrative Tribunal, preventing any action against them. The issue will remain unresolved until the investigation is finished. Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafir Ahamed stated that the Corporation would take all legal measures possible. Mayor Beena Philip added that all necessary steps were taken once the fraud was discovered. Opposition leader K.C. Shobhita urged the council to take legal action against those responsible for the scam before their term ends. In another matter, UDF councillors walked out of the meeting after a disagreement over a motion regarding ASHA worker wages. A motion was presented to support ASHA workers' permanent employment and a pay raise. The UDF wanted the State government to raise their honorarium, but the ruling party did not accept this amendment. The council also unanimously passed a motion addressing the rising issue of drug abuse among youth. Mayor Beena Philip promised more discussions and plans to involve the public in raising awareness, stating that current programs need to be more effective.