KOCHI: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) probing the disproportionate assets(DA) case against former PWD Secretary T O Sooraj is all set to approach the district court seeking extension of the temporary attachment of his properties by one more year. And the VACB move was prompted by the fact that more time would be needed to complete the ongoing probe against the IAS official.
“The temporary attachment directive from the court has a duration of one year. There are around 140 witnesses in the case and their statements are being verified. It will take some more time for us to complete the probe and file the chargesheet. Legal opinion on the extension of the temporary property attachment has been sought now. On the basis of the legal advice we will approach the court,” a VACB official said.
Earlier, the preliminary investigation by the VACB found that T O Sooraj while working as a government servant had amassed wealth to the tune of `1.82 crore during the January 1, 2004-October 31, 2014 period, which was in excess of his known sources of income.
Besides it was found that seven properties were registered in the name of his wife at Edappally, Edakochi, Vazhakkala, Elamkulam and Aluva, while three properties at Edappally and Peermade in Idukki were registered in the name of one of his sons.
In addition to this, five properties were registered in the name of his daughter at Elamkulam, Aluva, Peermade and Eranellur in Thrissur.
An apartment at Heera High Life, at upscale Kowdiar in Thiruvananthpuram, was also registered in the name of his daughter, with two properties registered in the name of Sooraj’s another son.