KOCHI, Feb 13 2019: The land transaction in the Syro-Malabar Church, which had kicked up a row over alleged underhand dealings, has now attracted the attention of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
It is learnt ED authorities sought details of the case from the committee in Kochi appointed by the Vatican. It is reported that the directorate can indeed suo motu take cognisance and proceed against the wrongdoers if indeed financial irregularities has occurred. With the ED now getting into the act, the findings of the Vatican- appointed panel will be submitted to the Apolistic Administrator who will provide the required details and evidence to ED.
“The committee to probe the financial irregularities in the Church was appointed by the Apostolic Administrator, Jacob Manathodath. The committee’s findings along with the KPMG report will be submitted to him. The committee’s report sought by the ED will be provided by the Apostolic Administrator. We are only answerable to the Vatican and after compiling the report it will be sent to Rome,” said Joseph Inchody, the panel’s convener.
Sources said ED is already collecting evidence of the land scam. Since a formal complaint has not been lodged, the ED did not register a case. Nonetheless, the ED can take suo motu case against the Church if there is evidence of major financial irregularities.
(source: newindianexpress.com February 11, 2019)