AP GOVT to confiscate Benami Property of Corrupt Officials

Amaravati Nov 13 :In a move to nail the corrupt officials arrested by the ACB in disproportionate assets cases the Andhra Pradesh has moved one step ahead.

The government would seek permission from the ACB special courts to confiscate the benami properties of the accused. Currently, the government is allowed to sell, use or mortgage these properties. If the accused is acquitted, the government should return possession or pay the building value with 5 percent interest from the day it was confiscated.

The AP Legislature in 2015 had passed the AP Special Courts Act to set up four special courts to take possession of benami properties.

A retired judge has said, "The chances of tainted officers getting back ill-gotten properties will decrease with this move. Seized benami properties will fall under the government's control. The Act will also speed up the trial process".

AP ACB Director-General R.P. Thakur said, "The special ACB courts will take possession of properties. Once the authorized officers are appointed, disproportionate assets cases will be put forward for confiscation."