Who said that politicians are above the law? The six-month prison sentence handed out to the former minister of Social Security, Vishnu Bundhun, shows that is not always the case. Magistrates Feckna and Hamuth-Laulloo found him guilty of bribe-taking in the purchase of 105,000 blankets for pensioners. The former Labour minister claims that he is a victim of conspiracy and he intends to appeal against the judgement.

The problem goes back to 1999 when the ministry signed a contract with Satyam Alleck, a blanket supplier. After the delivery of a number of blankets, there were complaints about their quality. The Economic Crime Office ? predecessor of the Independent Commission against Corruption ? opened an enquiry. When Satyam Alleck was questioned, he revealed that minister Vishnu Bundhun had asked him for a ten-rupee ?commission? on each blanket.

Even if there was no exchange of money, the magistrates found that there were enough irregularities in the supply of the blankets to lead them to believe there had been fraudulent practices.

The testimonies of senior ministry staff who participated in the negotiations also lent weight to the accusation. Bawanydehal Doolhur, the permanent secretary, who signed the agreement for the supply of blankets, said that the minister had ?instructed? him to do so in the minister?s office - which is no way supposed to be the case.

Despite the magistrates? verdict, Vishnu Bundhun is still adamant about his innocence. ?I have always claimed I was innocent and I will continue to do so. Today lies have the upper hand. I have always believed there was connivance between some civil servants and suppliers who are used to coming to the ministry,? he stated just after the sentence was given. ?I think I was framed after I requested that a contract with one supplier be cancelled.?

But the magistrates clearly stated that there ?was no problem or any court case between Vishnu Bundhun and his civil servants at the time.? This means that there was no reason for them to plot against the former minister. And this proves ?beyond reasonable doubt? that the minister asked for the Rs 10 on each blanket and even threatened to cancel the contract if he did not get it.

As former minister Bundhun intends to appeal, he was released after paying Rs 30,000 bail and signing a recognizance of debt of Rs 50,000.