Vigilance raids GST Joint Commissioner’s office, homes in Kochi; Rs 14 lakh, US dollars seized
Kochi: The Vigilance Department conducted surprise raids at the office and residences of a GST Joint Commissioner in Kochi following complaints of alleged illegal collections and irregularities. The raids were conducted at the GST Joint Commissioner’s office in Thevara and at two residences of Joint Commissioner Prajini Rajan at Pachalam and Irattakulangara.
The Vigilance team seized Rs 14 lakh in unaccounted cash and 788 US dollars during the searches. According to the Vigilance Department, the foreign currency is worth around Rs 75,000 in Indian currency.
The searches began around 7.30 am on Saturday and ended at around 9 pm. The raid was led by Vigilance Special Cell SP M.J. Sojan and DySP A.L. Yesudas. The Vigilance Department had earlier received several complaints against the officer. Based on these complaints, the team obtained a warrant from the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court before conducting the raids.
The Vigilance Department had also received information about serious irregularities allegedly taking place in GST-related transactions at some bar hotels in Kochi. The officer had reportedly been under continuous surveillance by the department for some time.
A preliminary Vigilance inquiry had reportedly found that the officer had amassed assets worth around Rs 2.75 crore disproportionate to known sources of income between 2014 and 2024. The warrant for the raids was obtained from the Vigilance Court based on these findings.
Colleagues said the surprise raids came while the Joint Commissioner was allegedly trying to remain in Ernakulam and avoid an upcoming transfer in the GST department. Employees also alleged that the officer is a known activist of a Left-affiliated organisation at the GST office.
The raid is among the biggest recent Vigilance searches conducted at the offices and residences of GST officials. A more detailed investigation into the officer’s financial transactions is expected in the coming days.