Responding to queries on whether properties worth Rs 40 crore linked to the accused had been identified in the city, Varanasi Police Commissioner said the verification process was on and that the value of the assets under scrutiny could increase as the investigation would progress.

He did not rule out coercive action against the properties saying it would be initiated only after documentary evidence and ownership records were fully verified.

Sources said that the police authorities had shared details of the properties with the registry office and the tehsil administration for the ownership verification and transaction records.

While confirmations were received for some properties, verification in several others was pending, said the informed sources.

The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has also been roped in, with officials asked to examine whether the construction of the identified properties conforms to the maps and approvals granted by the authority, sources added.

As per the official information, in all 78 persons have been arrested so far across the state in connection with the cough syrup racket and action has been initiated against 134 firms.

It may be recalled that in the wake of the magnitude of the racket spanning multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh and other states, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an officer of Inspector General rank, was established by the UP government to oversee the probe into the illegal storage, sale and trafficking of codeine-based cough syrup and other narcotic medicines.

According to an official, the SIT will also examine illegal financial transactions linked to the trafficking of codeine syrup, including diversion of consignments, inter-state syndicates and suspected money laundering.

The team has further been tasked with initiating extradition proceedings against accused persons who have fled the country to evade arrest.