The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau is investigating Lijo Joseph, the personal assistant to former corporation minister CN Balakrishnan, for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his income.

According to reports, a special squad of the Ernakulam Vigilance unit led by CI Benny Joseph raided Lijo’s residence in Aranattukara in Thrissur district on Thursday morning.

The raid was conducted after preliminary investigations had reportedly found a 200% increase in his assets in the last two years. The Bureau found that Lijo had purchased property worth Rs 1 crore in various places in Thrissur and had deposited Rs 30 lakh in his mother’s bank account.

Reports state that the investigation is likely to be expanded to include personal assistants of other former ministers facing allegations of corruptions.

In February this year, a vigilance court had ordered a probe against CN Balakrishnan based on a complaint that alleged the former minister had demanded Rs 5 crore for purchasing foreign liquor from traders.