Disproportionate wealth charges: Vigilance court orders probe against IUML MLA K.M. Shaji

A court here on Monday ordered aVigilance probe against IUML MLA K M Shaji on allegations thathe amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources ofincome.

Vigilance court judge K V Jayakumar directed the KozhikodeVigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau Superintendent of Policeto conduct a preliminary investigation into the chargesagainst the MLA.

The courts direction came on a petition by social workerand lawyer M R Hareesh alleging that Azhikode MLA Shaji hadamassed wealth disproportionate to his known sources ofincomeand had received funds from abroad, misusing hisofficial powers.

The petitioner, who sought a direction to the Vigilancefor a probe, also alleged that Shaji filed false detailsregarding his wealth in his election affidavit.

The MLA has properties in Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikodedistricts, worth a minimum of Rs two crore, the complaintalleged.

The Enforcement Directorate has registered a case inconnection with receipt of overseas funds by Shaji and hadconducted a search at his residence in Chirakkal in Kannurrecently.

The court order came days after another MLA of IndianUnion Muslim League (IUML), a partner in the oppositionCongress-led UDF, M C Kamarudheen, was arrested in connectionwith alleged cheating of investors in his gold jewellerybusiness.

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