The internal wrangling in the family of Vemuri Balaram, MD of famous Telugu weekly Swathi seems to be far from over.
On Monday, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) authorities filed a case against Balaram’s son-in-law M Anil Kumar, additional commissioner of Income Tax, Guntur range, for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
CBI deputy inspector general Nageshwara Rao said a series of raids on the houses of Anil Kuimar had revealed that he had disproportionate assets worth more than Rs 4.5 crore, including fixed deposits, gold and silver jewellery and traveler cheques. Besides, there were additional assets in the name of his wife Manichandana (daughter of Balaram) and others.
According to sources, the CBI raids were the fallout of the complaint given by none other than Balaram himself. He had developed grouse against his son-in-law for instigating Manichandana to file a case against him claiming rights over the ownership of Swathi magazine.
It may be mentioned that Balaram’s wife Ammaji and daughter Manichandana had complained to the then Vijayawada Police Commissioner P Seetharamanjaneyulu and took over the weekly office during Balaramís absence.
The properties of Swathi are said to be worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore. Later, Balaram got back his assets by moving the court. The issue is still in the court.
