Kochi, February 26
In further embarrassment for former CJI Justice KG Balakrishnan, the Income Tax Department, which is looking into allegations of amassment of wealth against three of his relatives, have found black money in their possession.

“As far as Justice Balakrishnan is concerned, I cannot say anything. But as far as his relatives - two sons-in-law and brother - are concerned, we have found there is black money,” Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), E T Lukose, told reporters here.

Justice Balakrishnan’s two sons-in-law advocate PV Sreenijan, advocate Benny and brother KG Bhaskaran, former special government pleader, have been found to be having black money, he said. “We are investigating how they have got the black money. We will again question his (CJI’s) relatives,” he said.

The official refused to state the quantum of black money with the three relatives of Justice Balakrishnan. Lukose refused to say whether Justice Balakrishnan will be questioned or not. “I cannot say anything now,” he said.

Lukose said the probe was in the final stages and was likely be completed by next month. The Central government has not so far asked us for any report, he said. The investigation wing had at first conducted a preliminary inquiry into the allegations of amassment of wealth against the relatives of Justice Balakrishnan. After the allegations broke out, Bhaskaran, a special government pleader of the Kerala High Court, had resigned. Media reports had alleged that his relatives had amassed properties worth several crores in the past few years, mainly in posh localities in various places in Kerala. — PTI