THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister KM Shaji's claims regarding the controversial Range Rover car are slowly falling apart. Reports indicate that the car was used without securing necessary permission from the General Administration Department. A private news channel reported that the vehicle was authorised for only a single trip from Kannur to Coorg. Furthermore, the report states that no government order was issued allowing permission to display an official board or sticker on a private vehicle.
The report completely debunks the claims raised by the Minister after his Range Rover travel ignited a controversy. This intensified allegations that using a privately owned luxury vehicle for official duties, that too with an official board and the national flag without government authorisation, constitutes a serious violation of regulations.
After the issue gained headlines, Minister Shaji handed the Range Rover back to the private owner. The vehicle is owned by Yakoob, a native of Thillankery in Kannur.