TN ring-fencing property tax case to keep ED out of probe?

Investigating the multicrore property tax scam in Madurai Corporation, the Tamil Nadu police have conspicuously omitted the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) and certain sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the FIR, which are scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), thereby preventing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from entering the picture.

- SIDDHARTH PRABHAKAR

INVESTIGATING the multicrore property tax scam in Madurai Corporation, the Tamil Nadu police have conspicuously omitted the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) and certain sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the FIR, which are scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), thereby preventing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from entering the picture.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been probing the allegations of fraudulent manipulation of software to reduce property tax assessments of at least 150 buildings by certain employees of the Madurai Corporation. At least five lower-level corporation employees, a retired assistant commissioner and Madurai Mayor Indrani's husband Pon Vasanth have been arrested in the case. Pon Vasanth was suspended from the ruling DMK in May for alleged anti-party activities.