THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Jailed former minister R Balakrishna Pillai’s controversial phone calls provoked a LDF walk-out in the Assembly on Monday, even as Chief Minister Oommen Chandy suggested that the calls could amount to a violation of rules and not the law.The Chief Minister said further action would be taken on the matter after the Chief Jail Welfare Officer K A Kumaran submitted his report on Tuesday.The Opposition staged a walk-out - the fifth of the current session - after permission was denied for an adjournment motion regarding the phone calls. CPM’s P K Gurudasan, who sought leave for the motion, alleged there was ample proof and prima facie evidence that Balakrishna Pillai, jailed in connection with the Edamalayar Case, had made 40 calls from his mobile phone.Section 81(27) of the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services (Management) Act, 2010, prohibits ‘’sending any communication, in writing or by word or by signs or by mobile phones or other electronic devices, to any persons other than persons authorised,’’ Gurudasan said. The attackers of R Krishnakumar, teacher of RVHS, Valakam, where Balakrishna Pillai was manager, should be arrested promptly, Gurudasan said.Chandy said the investigation into the attack on Krishnakumar was being strengthened, but contradictory statements by him have put investigating officers in a spot. The State Government, however, was committed to finding the culprits, he said. ‘’Surprisingly, the victim is not coooperating as expected,’’ Chandy said.The Prisons Act, he said, allowed convicts to make authorised calls. If that was the case, then Balakrishna Pillai had done nothing illegal. If not, Pillai has violated rules. He also denied speaking to Balakrishna Pillai over phone. Chandy pointed out that the reporter who trapped Pillai speaking on his mobile was equally punishable under the Prisons Act. Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan accused the UDF purposefully dithering on the issue. Chief Whip P C George had admitted talking to Pillai over phone and no action was taken against him. Pillai had made 298 calls in all, 40 of them, the day Krishnakumar was attacked, he said.Deputy Leader of the Opposition Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the law was broken when Pillai was admitted to a private hospital rather than a government one. The landline to his room was cut only on Sunday, that too following media reports, Balakrishnan said.
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