The Ernakulam District Court on Wednesday ordered temporary attachment of 18 properties and five cars of suspended Public Works Department Secretary T.O. Sooraj.
The step follows a petition by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) with regard to freezing the properties till disposal of the ongoing case against him. The petition, filed by K.R. Venugopalan, Deputy Superintendent, Special Cell, VACB, follows a report that Sooraj is planning to dispose of the properties to evade possible attachment of the land.
Nalini Netto, Additional Chief Secretary, who considered this report, directed the investigation officer to file a petition and affidavit before the District Court for the attachment of disproportionate assets covering the land properties and motor vehicles that were in possession of Sooraj and his family members till the disposal of the case.
Of the 18 properties to be attached, seven properties were registered in the name of Suma Muhammad Ali alias Suma Sooraj, his wife, while three properties were in the name of his son Rizwan Sooraj.
There are five properties registered in the name of Rizana Sooraj, his daughter, in addition to an apartment at Kowdiar in the capital. The remaining properties to be attached are in the name of his son Rizhin.
As per the court order, a Honda Brio registered in the name of Suma Sooraj, Maruti Ritz registered in the name of Rizhin Sooraj, Toyota Innova registered in the name of Nisthar P M of Thrikakkara, Honda City registered in the name of Rizwan Sooraj, and Honda Civic registered in the name of Rizana will also be attached.
18 properties, five cars to be attached
Attachment till disposal of ongoing case
