Palarivattom flyover scam: Govt files affidavit against TO Sooraj, reveals illegal land deal

Kochi: The state government has filed an affidavit against T O Sooraj who is involved in the Palarivattom flyover scam. The affidavit claimed that Sooraj's son bought 17 cent land in Edappally after giving a mobilsation advance to the RDS company. It is alleged that only Rs 1.04 crore was shown in the documents of the land that was purchased for Rs 3.30 crore.

In a petition filed before the court, TO Sooraj demanded to quash the FIR in the case as alleging that the vigilance probe is illegal. The government filed a counter-affidavit over this petition.

Sooraj's son bought land in Edappally after illegally giving Rs 8.25 crore as mobilisation advance to RDS company. The government also pointed out Sooraj’s mysterious financial deals in 2014.

As Principal Secretary, Sooraj cannot legally pay an advance of more than Rs 5 crore. It is learned that the money was transferred to the company without the approval of the Finance Department. 

The affidavit also noted that Sooraj paid mobilisation advance to the company at 7 percent interest when the company took a bank loan for 14.75 percent interest rate for the flyover work.

Sooraj’s involvement in the flyover scam is clear and the probe team holds evidence to prove this, claimed the affidavit submitted by vigilance DySP.