Rs 14.10 lakh seized during surprise vigilance raid in State GST Joint Commissioner's residence; detailed probe ongoing

KOCHI: The Vigilance Department started a comprehensive investigation into the financial dealings of State GST Joint Commissioner Prajani Rajan, who is an accused in a disproportionate assets case.

During surprise inspections conducted at her office and residence recently, officials seized Rs 14.10 lakh and 788 US dollars. Vigilance authorities suspect this money to be bribes collected from tax evaders. Her bank accounts and PAN card details are currently being scrutinised.

Prajani Rajan had been under surveillance following reports of serious GST irregularities involving certain bar hotels in Kochi city. Preliminary investigations by the Vigilance wing revealed that she had amassed disproportionate assets worth approximately Rs 2.75 crore between 2014 and 2024. The surprise inspections were followed by an FIR filed at the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court two days prior. Although the official attempted to move the cash kept in the room, the Vigilance team intercepted her. Prajani claimed that the seized cash was monthly income from a lodge she owned and that the US dollars were kept for travel purposes; however, she failed to produce any supporting documents. Vigilance officials said the seized money and documents would be produced in court today.

Complaint Received via Post Led to the Probe

A complaint received by post led to the investigation against GST Joint Commissioner Prajani Rajan. The letter, sent in the name of a lawyer, alleged that the official was amassing wealth by abusing her official position. Although the address provided was fake, the Vigilance wing treated the complaint seriously. A report based on the inquiry will be submitted to the Director of the Ernakulam Vigilance Special Cell. Once a detailed report is prepared, it will be forwarded to Prajani's department.