VACB seized ₹14.10 lakh, $788 from GST official’s residence in Kochi

The raid was conducted as part of an investigation into a VACB-registered disproportionate assets case against an official. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has seized alleged unaccounted cash of ₹14.10 crore and $788 from the residence of a senior official of the State Goods and Services Tax Department in Kochi.

The cash was seized on Saturday (September 26, 2026) from the residence of Joint Commissioner GST Prajani Rajan in Pachalam, the VACB said in a statement.

The raid was conducted as part of an investigation into a VACB-registered disproportionate assets case against an official. The agency said a preliminary investigation found that Ms Rajan had allegedly amassed assets worth around ₹2.89 crore between 2014 and 2024, which is disproportionate to her known sources of income.

The VACB action followed complaints that Ms. Rajan allegedly settled some high-profile tax evasion cases after accepting bribes, the agency said.

The raids were conducted simultaneously at two houses she allegedly owned in Pachalam and the office of the Joint Commissioner of GST at Thevara. The search was conducted from 7:45 am to 9:15 pm on Saturday by teams led by DySP Yesudas AL, the VACB said.

The recovered cash and documents seized during the operation will be produced before the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court.

Director Vigilance Manoj Abraham urged the public to report cases of bribery and corruption to the authorities through the toll-free helpline 1064, hotline 8592900900, WhatsApp on 9447789100 or email at (vig.vacb@kerala.gov.in) (mailto:viggovb@inkerala.

Published – 27 Sep 2026 15:07 IST