Accusing Kerala's Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem of corruption in awarding the contact for erecting a titanium sponge plant, legislator P.C. George Wednesday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into it.

'A similar plant that has already become operational in Japan with a capacity of 12,000 tonnes has cost them a mere Rs.1.20 billion. The one to come up in Chavara in Kollam district has a capacity of 10,000 tonnes, but the projected cost is Rs.10 billion. This is what the CBI should inquire,' George told reporters.

He has already asked Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan to inquire into the matter, but added: 'His hands are tied and he appears helpless. But if nothing happens, then a mass struggle would be undertaken.'

The state's main opposition Congress also has levelled corruption charges against the Left Front government over the plant, the contract for which is likely to be given to Russia-based Rosoboron Exporters.

George of the Kerala Congress (Secular) was part of the Left Front during the May 2006 assembly polls, but has since parted company with it.

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