Vigilance court orders probe against IUML MLA K M Shaji over disproportionate wealth charges

A court here on Monday ordered a Vigilance probe against IUML MLA K M Shaji on allegations that he amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

A court here on Monday ordered a Vigilance probe against IUML MLA K M Shaji on allegations that he amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Vigilance court judge K V Jayakumar directed the Kozhikode Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau Superintendent of Police to conduct a preliminary investigation into the charges against the MLA.

The court's direction came on a petition by social worker and lawyer M R Hareesh alleging that Azhikode MLA Shaji had amassed wealth disproportionate to his known sources of incomeand had received funds from abroad, misusing his official powers. The petitioner, who sought a direction to the Vigilance for a probe, also alleged that Shaji filed false details regarding his wealth in his election affidavit.

The MLA has properties in Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode districts, worth a minimum of Rs two crore, the complaint alleged. The Enforcement Directorate has registered a case in connection with receipt of overseas funds by Shaji and had conducted a search at his residence in Chirakkal in Kannur recently.

The court order came days after another MLA of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a partner in the opposition Congress-led UDF, M C Kamarudheen, was arrested in connection with alleged cheating of investors in his gold jewellery business..