Palani Math land row: Madras High Court seeks status report from State on progress made in investigation
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday directed the State government to file a status report on the progress made in the
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday directed the State government to file a status report on the progress made in the investigation into the case pertaining to the fraudulent registration of Palani Math land. A Division Bench of Justices C.V. Karthikeyan Sakthivel was hearing petitions seeking a CBI probe into the case. Palani MLA K.S.N. Venugopalu Senapathi of the AIADMK who has sought a CBI probe into the case said the investigation now rested with the CB-CID, which is under the control of the Tamil Nadu government.
Since the allegations themselves extend to the Registration Department officials and possibly higher authorities, the investigation by an agency under the control of the State did not inspire public confidence. He said a CBI investigation alone would ensure independence, transparency and credibility. Unless the probe was entrusted to an agency independent of the State, the truth might never fully emerge. He also sought a direction to appoint a retired High Court judge to monitor the investigation.
Chairperson of Palani Municipality R. Uma Maheshwari Pradeep also sought a CBI probe into the case. She said the criminal investigation must consequently extend to the complete chain of persons who prepared, financed, presented, processed, facilitated and completed the fraudulent registration. The enormous disparity between the true value of the property and the consideration recorded in the instrument raises a serious question as to whether the document reflects a genuine transaction between the parties. She said the probe must trace the complete financial trail, banking transactions, cash withdrawals and deposits, undisclosed considerations, intermediaries, accommodation entries, beneficial ownership, and persons who may have funded or directed the transaction.
The possibility of cash dealings, benami arrangement, informal transfer of funds or hawala transactions must be examined. The court posted the matter for hearing to August 5.
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