Row over missing valuables at GCDA turns bitter

GCDA Secretary files petition with Kadavanthra police

KOCHI: The case of missing valuables from the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) guest house threatens to blow up into a full-fledged battle between the authority and its former Chairman N. Venugopal.

GCDA Secretary M.C. Joseph on Friday filed a petition with the Kadavanthra police, seeking an investigation to trace those responsible for the loss of property. While the petition does not invoke the former Chairman’s name, the liability notice for ₹1.58 lakh served on him has been attached to it.

The GCDA had on Thursday served a liability notice on Mr. Venugopal for recovery of the cost of valuables worth ₹1.50 lakh. They had allegedly gone missing from the guest house after he vacated it last May. The police said they had registered an FIR.

In retaliation, Mr. Venugopal is set to serve a legal notice on the Secretary seeking a public apology for defaming him.

Speaking to The Hindu , the former Chairman alleged that some people had stayed at the guest house for around 15 days with the knowledge of the Secretary after he had vacated it.

However, Mr. Joseph denied the allegation, saying that though the guest house was considered for accommodating two staff members of Minister for Local Self-government K.T. Jaleel, the plan was dropped after it was found not to be in an inhabitable condition. “Subsequently, they stayed at Kothamangalam. There are documents to substantiate these matters,” he said.

Mr. Venugopal claimed that he was in possession of a verification document of the valuables at the guest house. But a verification report filed by officials in his presence on the day he vacated the guest house had found no major mismatch between the list of valuables and the actual possessions, he said.

“At that time, just a doormat and a few carpets were found missing, though it was laughable to treat them as loss considering that such items get worn out over four years of use. I also have a list of valuables worth ₹2.50 lakh bought at the time I shifted to the guest house, which anyone can verify,” Mr. Venugopal claimed.