Babu ‘hid’ Kerala-Goa properties, flats, offices in EC affidavit

BASURI DESAI

PANJIM: Goa’s beleaguered Congressman and Leader of the Opposition Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar could land into more trouble as a large number of his properties, owned either by Kavlekar or his companies, (see disclaimer) that have been unearthed by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in its investigations is the disproportionate assets case, have not been included in his affidavit filed before the Election Commission of India along with his nomination form. (As per the affidavit on record in the EC website)

Kavlekar, who successfully contested from Quepem constituency on a Congress ticket, filed an affidavit in January 2017 

before the Returning Officer that reflects only a few properties and assets in his or his spouse’s name. Missing from this affidavit are the large tracts of land in Pathanamthitta-Kerala, plots in Goa, shops and flats.

Kavlekar has 15 plots in Perunad village of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, seven plots in Goa, four flats, six offices-shops, two leased properties in IDC, seven vehicles, six different fixed deposits in different banks and investments in various life insurance companies.

After scrutiny it has been found that Kavlekar concealed all the plots in Kerala. Of seven plots that he owns in Goa six were not disclosed, also six shops/offices and two flats were not disclosed. An ACB sources said that further scrutiny could reveal more as the agency is still in the initial stages of the investigation.

Kavlekar has disclosed fixed deposits, insurance policies, quantity of gold, vehicles and properties of IDC in his affidavit before the Election Commission.

Chief Electoral Officer Kunal said that if any elected representative conceals information in his election affidavit then he attracts section 125 A which could lead to imprisonment of up to six months or a fine, or both.

“Under Section 125 A it is open to any aggrieved person to move a petition before the appropriate court of competent jurisdiction with petition for action under Section 125 A in case of any false declaration or concealing of information in the affidavit in Form 25,” the ECI circular reads. 

Kavlekar is facing an ACB probe in the disproportionate assets case. An FIR was registered against him on September 15, 2017 at ACB for securing assets more than the actual income since he was elected MLA.

ACB is yet to summon Kavlekar for questioning in the case, while Crime Branch has already interrogated him for his alleged role in the matka nexus in the State.

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