Strong evidence against bureaucrat: Kerala home minister

The vigilance raid conducted at the home of top Kerala bureaucrat T.O. Sooraj was based on a complaint and there is strong evidence against him, said Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala Friday.

"There were complaints against him and hence a probe is being held. There is strong evidence against him and the action against him is neither vindictive nor prejudiced," Chennithala told reporters here.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau earlier in the week conducted simultaneous raids on the home and offices of Sooraj, who is currently the secretary of the public works department, and seized documents and cash.

Late Friday evening Sooraj appeared before the vigilance probe team at Kochi and his statement was taken.

Sources in the government indicate that there is every likelihood that the top bureaucrat would be suspended in the coming days.

The Left opposition has already demanded that the government should suspend him from service.