Malappuram: The District Congress Committee (DCC) has levelled allegations of irregularities against former Minister K T Jaleel over the appointment of his wife, V P Fathimakutty, as Principal of Valanchery Higher Secondary School.

DCC General Secretary Sidhikh Panthavoor claimed that another teacher, V K Preetha, was the rightful candidate for the post. Both teachers reportedly had the same seniority, but according to the rules, age should determine selection. As Preetha was older, she should have been appointed, he argued.

Panthavoor alleged that the school management manipulated the seniority list to favour Fathimakutty, and that the Education Department ignored complaints filed by affected teachers. He added that the appointment took place while Jaleel was serving as minister, and described it as a misuse of authority and an example of political favouritism.

The vacancy arose on May 1, 2016, and the higher secondary regional director issued an approval order on July 26, 2016. Preetha reportedly approached both the management and higher secondary officials regarding the irregularities, but no action has yet been taken, Panthavoor said.

In response, Jaleel denied any role in the appointment of his wife. Writing on Facebook, he swore on the Quran that he had never recommended or influenced her selection. He stated that members of the school committee, who belonged to opposition parties, could verify the facts.