Kochi: The Congregation of Oriental Churches in Rome has decided to probe the controversial land and financial transactions in the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.
Bishop of Palakkad, Jacob Manathodath, who is also apostolic administrator of the archdiocese, on Thursday appointed a five-member committee to probe the matter as per the instructions of the congregation.
The committee, headed by Dr Joseph Injodey, executive director of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamasserry, will consist of Dr Sam Thomas, professor school of management studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, advocate Abraham K. John, C.J. Romid, chartered accountant and Rev George Areeckal of Nithaya Sahaya Bhavan.
The terms of reference include a thorough audit of the economic and financial transactions that occurred at the finance office of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2018.
The committee will verify all the aspects of the land deals during the period and find out whether there have been unauthorised, undisclosed and unaccounted deals of properties.
Bishop Manathodath was appointed as the apostolic administrator at the height of the controversy and the role of Cardinal George Alencherry in connection with the deals had come under a cloud. Bishop Manathodath said on Thursday, “I am asked among other things to engage an independent company to conduct an audit of the economic and financial management of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly and send its results in a confidential manner to the Apostolic See.”
