Vigilance to probe alleged irregularities in KMSCL bleaching powder purchase, says Keralam Health Minister

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau will investigate the alleged irregularities in the procurement of bleaching powder by the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL), Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said here on Wednesday.

The Minister has written to the Home Department seeking a Vigilance investigation into the allegations. He said that his decision to seek a VACB investigation follows fresh evidence and allegations of serious irregularities in purchase, as reported by certain sections of the media.

In the light of the new evidence, the earlier enquiry report submitted by the Principal Secretary (Health) cannot be accepted, he said.

KMSCL had invited an open e-tender in February for procurement of bleaching powder for 2026–27 under a one-year rate contract. The procurement has since come under scrutiny over allegations that the prescribed store-purchase rules and tender procedures were violated, resulting in substantial unnecessary expenditure to the exchequer.