The Vigilance & Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB) team has confirmed recovering Rs 48 lakh and over 70 documents from the houses of IUML MLA KM Shaji in Kannur and Kozhikode.
Reportedly, the VACB team has deposited the money and documents before the Kozhikode Vigilance Court. The VACB will submit a detailed probe report soon. The team has reportedly asked Shaji to appear before them for questioning on the matter.
On April 12, the VACB conducted raids at Shaji’s homes at Kannur and Kozhikode. According to reports, the raids began after the VACB Kozhikode unit had earlier registered a case against the MLA for accumulating assets disproportionate to the known sources of income. The VACB informed the Vigilance Court that Shaji’s wealth has increased by 166% over his income. The raids began at 7 am and ended at 11 pm.
However, Shaji said that he has documents proving the source of the money seized from his homes during the Vigilance raid. He alleged that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wants to take revenge on him through the vigilance raids.
“Despite Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s police chasing after me with constant raids, I kept the money at home as it was accounted. I do not own any illegal assets,” Shaji said, adding that he can place the documents to prove the source of money before any probe agency.
The UDF candidate claimed that the VACB is conducting a prejudiced investigation against him. Shaji said that he could not deposit the money as the bank was closed for three consecutive days. “Since I am contesting in the elections, the Vigilance team reached my house under the impression that I will have money. They must return the money taken from me as it is legal,” he said.
The Vigilance report pointed out that Shaji has assets and savings amounting to 166% higher than his known income source. The highest increase in assets was marked between 2011 and 2020. Shaji's income was Rs 83,57,452 during this period while his total assets mark Rs 2,03,80,557.
