{
  "id": 12833080,
  "title": "Crime Branch defends pace of probe into Chander Kunj Army towers in Kochi amid owners’ concerns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/crime-branch-defends-pace-of-probe-into-chander-kunj-army-towers-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-08T09:25:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/crime-branch-defends-pace-of-probe-into-chander-kunj-army-towers-in-kochi-amid-owners-concerns/article71558601.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch in Ernakulam Range has refuted claims of slow progress in the investigation into irregularities with the Chander Kunj Army Towers Apartment Project in Vyttila, Kochi. In a letter to affected owners earlier this year, the agency stated that the investigation's pace was not an issue based on their findings. The letter, issued in response to a petition by apartment owners to the Chief Minister, explained that determining potential prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act would only be possible after evidence emerged during the investigation. The investigation began in August 2025 after the State Police transferred jurisdiction from the Maradu police. The case was registered after V.V. Krishnan, authorized by the owners' association, obtained a direction from a magistrate to pursue the matter. Six individuals from the Army Welfare Housing Organisation, the building design firm, and the construction company, along with their finance officer, are accused of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, cheating, and acting with a common intention. The Crime Branch alleges they have gathered necessary records, consulted expert agencies, conducted a site inspection, and collected financial and other pertinent documents. The investigation also involves examining financial transactions, project approvals, and administrative decisions. Forensic analysis of materials and witness interviews are ongoing.",
  "summary": "In letter to affected apartment owners, Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch, Ernakulam Range, dismisses allegations of lack of progress in investigation into alleged irregularities and offences related to construction",
  "key_points": [
    "Crime Branch refutes slow investigation claims.",
    "Investigation began August 2025, transferred jurisdiction.",
    "Six accused individuals facing multiple charges."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}