Kochi: The Income Tax department has found grave financial irregularities in the land dealings of Syro-Malabar church. IT department has imposed a fine of 3.5 crores to Ernakulam- Angamaly Archdiocese. According to IT report, serious tax fraud occurred in the land dealings of Syro- Malabar Church. Church sold its land to repay bank loan of 58 crores. But instead of repaying the money, they bought two other lands. The amount paid to buy these lands is also not properly recorded.
In the case, former procurator Joshy Puthuva has given crucial statement against Cardinal Mar George Alencherry. Joshy Puthuva said that middleman Saju was introduced to him by Alencherry. It was Saju who made registration papers and handed over to Mar George Alencherry according to Joshy. To resell the land in Kottappady, Cardinal met some people in Chennai, according to Joshy’s statement.
The land dealings were done showing fewer amounts in paper than the original market rate. But the money has not credited in the account of archdiocese. To resell the land and to make profit was the goal and so real estate dealings were done. Earlier 2.5 crore rupees was fined by IT department. Now, the fine is 3.5 crore.
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