Crime Branch defends pace of probe into Chander Kunj Army towers in Kochi amid owners’ concerns

The twin towers of the Chander Kunj Army Apartment complex at Vyttila in Kochi. (file) | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch, Ernakulam Range, has dismissed allegations of a lack of progress in the investigation into the alleged irregularities and offences related to the construction of the Chander Kunj Army Towers Apartment Project at Silver Sand Island, Vyttila, Kochi, Keralam.

In a letter addressed to the affected apartment owners earlier this year, the investigating agency stated that the allegation that the probe was not progressing effectively was not borne out by the investigation conducted so far. The applicability of provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, if any, could be determined only on the basis of evidence that emerged during the course of the investigation, the letter noted.

It was issued in response to a petition submitted by the owners to the Chief Minister earlier this year, alleging that the investigation was not progressing effectively.

The Crime Branch took over the investigation and registered a case in August 2025, after the State Police Chief (SPC) transferred the case registered by the Maradu police. On March 26, 2025, nearly two months after the Kerala High Court ordered the demolition and reconstruction of towers ‘B’ and ‘C,’ the Maradu police registered the case based on a petition filed by V.V. Krishnan, who was authorised by the general body of owners’ association. The case was registered only after Mr. Krishnan obtained a favourable direction from the Judicial First Class Magistrate-VIII, Ernakulam.