Thodupuzha: The Idukki Vigilance has registered an FIR against Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan in connection with the case related to his Chinnakanal resort. The public representative is accused of purchasing the plot despite being aware of the irregularities involved. The FIR will soon be submitted at the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court.

The Vigilance stated that Kuzhalnadan’s property is located on surplus land. So technically, registrations and other dealings are not possible. Still he purchased the land, suggesting that the MLA has violated rules, it added. 

There are a total of 21 accused, including government officials, panchayath authorities and other middlemen, in the case. Mathew Kuzhalnadan is the 16th accused in the case.

The FIR has details of alleged violations since 2012. Udumbanchola Tahsildar P K Shaji is the prime accused in the case. He is known to have facilitated the illegal land transactions. Panchayat secretaries are also being held responsible. 

Vigilance has identified several violations including tax evasion, illegal possession of land and violations of Rules pertaining to surplus land.