Income Tax authorities assess lavish wedding expenditures of Biju Ramesh's daughter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Income Tax authorities have commenced an expenditure survey of the lavish wedding of the daughter of hotel owner Biju Ramesh with the son of former revenue minister and Congress MLA Adoor Prakash. According to sources, an Income Tax team visited the office of Biju Ramesh at Fort on Monday and collected the details regarding the expenditures related to the marriage and took statements from the officials on the source of the funds. The team was led by deputy director of investigations, V.R. Hari.

The officials had earlier visited the marriage venue at Venpalavattom and made a rough assessment of the expenditure. After assessing the expenditures, they would be verified with the income tax statements of Biju Ramesh. Afterwards, further steps like slapping of additional tax and penalty would be initiated. Biju Ramesh remained tight-lipped on the expenses of the marriage held on Sunday. The venue was modelled on Akshardam temple and Mysore palace and two ovens worth about Rs 1.25 core were reportedly imported as part of the marriage.

Meanwhile, Youth Congress state president Dean Kuriakose s said in a social media post that lavish marriage ceremonies by party leaders would distance the party from the common man. “Parents can decide how their children's marriage should be conducted. Party leaders have a commitment towards the society. Leaders should keep off luxury. There are many leaders in the party who hail from rich families, but are leading simple lifestyle,” he said.