Kochi: The Kerala High Court has ordered a CBI investigation against K.M. Abraham, former Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, over allegations of amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. Abraham currently serves as the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and the CEO of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

The court issued the order after completing its hearing on a petition filed by social activist Jomon Puthenpurackal. The petition alleged that Abraham had acquired assets beyond his known income during his tenure as Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department in 2015.

The High Court directed the Kochi unit of the CBI to take up the case. Earlier, the state Vigilance Department had investigated the complaint and dismissed it. This inquiry was conducted when Jacob Thomas was serving as the Director of Vigilance.

The petition seeking a CBI probe was filed in the High Court in 2018. The order was issued by a single bench headed by Justice K. Babu. The petitioner argued that Abraham should explain how he was able to repay loans with amounts exceeding his monthly salary. There were also allegations that he had acquired properties worth crores in various locations.