Muthoot murder: Minister denies charges against son

Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Friday dismissed Opposition Congress' charge that his son had links with those wanted in connection with the recent murder of Muthoot group scion Paul M George, asserting that the government had nothing to hide in the case.

"My son (Beenish Kodiyeri) has no relation with the case whatsoever," he said.

As more detailed probe was required into the August 22 murder, the investigation would be taken over by a special team headed by Inspector General of Police Winson Paul, he told reporters. The case was till now being probed by a team headed by a deputy superintendent of police.

Rejecting the charge that the Home Department was trying to interfere in the investigation process, he said a deliberate attempt was being made by 'vested interests' to hamper the probe and demoralise the police with allegations that 'higher ups in government wanted to protect the culprits'.

The government had nothing to hide in the case and was open to 'any sort of investigation', he added.