The Kerala High Court on October 10 ordered the release of ₹47,35,500 seized from the residence of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader K.M. Shaji by the Vigilance as part of the investigation into the disproportionate assets case registered against him, on furnishing a bank guarantee and executing a bond for the amount.
Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. passed the directive while allowing a petition filed by Mr. Shaji against the Kozhikode Vigilance order rejecting his plea for releasing the amount.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) had registered the case based on a preliminary inquiry report which found that he amassed wealth beyond his known sources of income by a margin of 166% during the period from June 1, 2011 to October 31, 2020. During a search at his house at Ottathengumanal, Alavil, Kannur, ₹46,35,500 was found concealed under a fully covered cot in the bedroom and the remaining ₹1,00,000 was found in a cupboard in the same room.
