Continuing the crusade against corrupt government officials, Jammu and Kashmir [Images] chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday sanctioned prosecution against eight state officials.

On Wednesday, the State Vigilance Organisation raided houses of more than a dozen government officials against whom it had collected evidence of disproportionate assets.

During the raids, the SVO uncovered huge wealth in the nature of immovable property, which the accused officials had accumulated through corrupt practices.

An official spokesman said that the chief minister, on Thursday evening, sanctioned prosecution of eight officials against whom the SVO has prima facie established cases for accepting illegal gratification and misuse of office.

Thursday's order for prosecution against these officials, who include a chief medical officer, a block medical officer and deputy custodian, follows preparation of charge sheets against the accused officials who have been found involved in unlawful appointments and other acts of gratification.

Commenting on the recoveries made during Wednesday's raids, a senior SVO officer said, "It is an Ali Baba's treasure."

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