Date:29/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/29/stories/2006102914550500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Search over in wealth cases

K.T. Sangameswaran

DVAC analysing seized documents

CHENNAI: Two rounds of search operations in connection with cases of alleged possession of "disproportionate assets" by former AIADMK Ministers have been completed. The investigating agency is perusing and analysing the documents seized.

In a spillover operation, officials of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Saturday searched a house at Annanagar here in connection with a case against a former Minister, N.Nainar Nagendran, for allegedly possessing wealth, disproportionate to known sources of his income.

The house belonged to a business partner of Mr.Nagendran. Some documents were seized, a DVAC official told The Hindu.

On Friday, the DVAC conducted searches on nearly 40 premises in connection with the "disproportionate wealth cases" against Mr.Nagendran and another former Minister, S.M.Velusamy.

Last month, searches were organised at 23 places in connection with similar cases against former Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam and former Urban Development Minister Anita Radhakrishnan, at Periyakulam, Chennai, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Madurai.

As regards any "disproportionate wealth" case, the usual procedure is to make a preliminary enquiry about the allegations and after getting the government's nod depending on the evidence collected, an FIR is registered.

Later, search operations are launched and based on the evidence obtained investigation is continued. Besides houses, bank lockers, if any, have to be searched.

The sources say that as the prosecution of such cases depends mainly on documentary evidence, which includes bank passbooks and title documents, perusal of the records consumes much time.

Major task

Also, a major task for investigators is identifying the holders of the wealth going by the documents available and linking the evidence to them. Further, the statements of witnesses have to be recorded.

The documents seized are being analysed and the charge sheet will be filed on completion of investigation.