I-T begins probe into assets of ex-CJIs kin

The Income Tax Department has initiated a probe into the alleged wealth amassment by former Chief JI K G Balakrishnans family.

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The Income Tax Department has initiated a probe into the alleged wealth amassment by former Chief JI K G Balakrishnans family.

Confirming that its Kochi office has started a probe,IT sources said: The wealth of Balakrishnans family members facing allegation has been brought under our investigation. But we are mainly focusing on his son-in law,P V Sreenijan. It is too early to divulge details. A clear picture would emerge in a few days.

Sreenijan had recently submitted a statement on his wealth as directed by the I-T sleuths.

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The probe would also verify the property details and bank accounts owned by Balakrishnans family members,sources said.

In a related development,a court in Thiruvananthapuram asked the Kochi Police Commissioner to take appropriate action on a petition against K G Balakrishnans brother K G Bhaskaran,sons-in law P V Sreenijan and M J Benny.

The plea alleged the respondents had bought property in Kerala from various persons in return for favourable court verdicts when Balakrishnan was the CJI,said advocate Santi George who appeared for the petitioner.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had obtained legal advice on whether a probe was possible against Sreenijan as he was not a public servant in literal sense and forwarded it to the government.

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Bureau director K P Somarajan said they awaiting clearance from the Home Department in this regard.

Meanwhile,the Kerala High Court Bar Association could not pass a resolution demanding Balakrishnans ouster from the post of National Human Rights Commission chairman.

When the resolution was taken up for a discussion on Tuesday,a section of members opposed the move.