Kochi, 27 Sept (H.S.): Vigilance officials searched the office and residences of GST Joint Commissioner Prajani Rajan in Kochi on Saturday and seized ₹14.10 lakh in cash and $788 as part of an investigation into alleged disproportionate assets.

The searches followed a preliminary inquiry that found Rajan had allegedly acquired assets worth about ₹2.89 crore beyond her known lawful sources of income between 2014 and 2024. The finding prompted the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to examine her office at Thevara and residences at Pachalam.

The searches began on Saturday morning and continued until around 9 pm. Investigators seized cash and documents during the operation. Officials will produce the seized material before the Vigilance Court in Muvattupuzha.

The operation was supervised by Ernakulam Special Cell Superintendent of Police M J Sojan and led by Deputy Superintendent of Police A L Yesudas.

The ₹2.89 crore figure is based on the bureau’s preliminary assessment of Rajan’s assets and income over the 10-year period. Investigators will examine the records collected during the searches as the inquiry proceeds. The seizure of cash does not, by itself, establish that the full amount represents illegal earnings.

The bureau has not disclosed details of the documents seized or said whether it identified any additional assets during Saturday’s searches. The available information also does not specify how much cash was recovered from each location.

The searches bring the joint commissioner’s finances under further scrutiny following the preliminary finding. The investigation will now depend on a review of the seized records and an assessment of her income and assets.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman