KOCHI: Thiruvananthapuram Range IG Manoj Abraham approached the Kerala High Court on Tuesday, challenging the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court’s order directing the Vigilance And Anti-corruption Bureau to register case against him for allegedly amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The Vigilance Court had issued the order on a petition filed by Pathanamthitta-native P P Chandrasekharan Nair, alleging the IG misused his official position and acted in favour of illegal quarry operators in Pathanamthitta.It was also alleged Manoj Abraham built a luxury mansion in Thiruvananthapuram and made several foreign trips sponsored by some businessmen. The petitioner alleged irregularities in the procurement of arms for the India Reserve Battalion. It was further alleged the IG invested his ill-earned money in St Mary’s Group, a firm with which his wife is associated.
“The quick verification by the Ernakualm Vigilance Special Cell DySP had found the allegations were not substantiated with material, and the Superintendent of Police did not recommended any action,” submitted Manoj Abraham. “The reasoning arrived at by the Vigilance Court, to maintain there was prima facie material to register case, was erroneous. It is impermissible for the court to calculate assets, income and expenditure while considering quick verification report,” it was submitted.