KOCHI: The Income Tax (Investigation) unit has frozen the bank accounts of several real estate agents who were part of the controversial land deals involving the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church.The I-T sleuths had recently conducted raids at the residences and offices of the land dealers on suspicion of use of unaccounted money in several land transactions involving them.
An I-T officer confirmed the bank accounts of several persons have been frozen. These do not include any of the bank accounts belonging to the Church. The I-T sleuths, however, refused to divulge the names of the account holders, stating the investigation is only in the preliminary stage. “On the basis of the documents seized during the recent searches, we decided to freeze the bank accounts. The accounts will remain frozen until the probe is completed,” he said.
According to an I-T officer, several records show substantial difference in the amount paid by buyers and the statement given by the persons who purchased the land. “In fact, we launched the probe on the basis of the information that these property agents were involved in deals involving unaccounted money, which was confirmed through a preliminary probe. We have collected documents related to the land transaction from the registration offices as well,” I-T sources said.
Notices will be issued to the land dealers, sellers and buyers for giving statements regarding the transactions. The sources of the money used for the transaction will also be checked.On Thursday, the raids were held 21 locations, including the residence and offices of Saju Varghese Kunnel, a leading property dealer in Kothamangalam, who was involved in the Church land deal. The residence of his close relative in Idukki was also checked. I-T sleuths also searched the office of the Kakkanad-based V K Group, which is also linked with the Church land deals.
The land deal by the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese had landed its hierarchy in trouble and led to huge financial crisis. A report by the internal panel constituted by the diocese claimed there was a huge difference between the documented amount and the amount presented at the resolution by the Curia (governing body). The amount is suspected to have been received as unaccounted money.