Ex-Anand Addl. Collector Ketki Vyas Denied Bail in Disproportionate Assets Case

Ahmedabad: The City Civil and Sessions Court here has rejected the regular bail application of Ketki Vyas, former Residential Additional Collector (R), Anand, in a disproportionate assets case registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

The ACB registered the FIR on June 22 this year under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, alleging that Vyas abused her official position to acquire movable and immovable assets in her name and those of her relatives through illegal means between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2023.

According to the investigation, Vyas allegedly possessed disproportionate assets worth Rs 3,56,03,910, which the ACB calculated to be 68.84% higher than her lawful and valid income. The court noted that no satisfactory explanation had been provided for the assets.

The defence, while seeking bail, disputed the ACB’s calculations, claiming that the figures were incorrect and inflated. It also submitted that Vyas had cooperated with the preliminary inquiry and had appeared before the ACB on seven occasions.

The prosecution opposed the bail plea, stating that Vyas had evaded arrest and was subsequently arrested by CID Crime after the cancellation of her anticipatory bail.

The court observed that custodial interrogation was necessary to ascertain details regarding the properties and bank transactions. It also noted that the investigation was at a crucial stage and that the charge sheet had not yet been filed.

Based on these circumstances, the court rejected the regular bail application. However, it clarified that its observations were prima facie in nature and would not amount to a finding of guilt against Vyas. DeshGujarat