Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 4 (NationPress) Almost a year after the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau delivered its findings, the Kerala government has begun efforts to act on a suggestion for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry concerning V.D. Satheesan, who is the leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly.

This initiative emerges as the state approaches the upcoming Assembly elections, sparking intense political reactions.

The recommendation relates to alleged misconduct in securing foreign funds for the 'Punarjani' rehabilitation initiative, which was executed in his Paravur Assembly constituency after the catastrophic floods of 2018.

The Vigilance report indicated that while there was no initial basis for filing a case, the matter of foreign fund acquisition and its application could warrant investigation by the CBI.

The inquiry was officially launched in June 2023, following a scandal regarding fundraising efforts in the United States tied to a regional meeting of the government-hosted Loka Kerala Sabha.

The approval for the investigation came just days prior to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's planned overseas trip. Allegations focused on potential breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and unauthorized fundraising abroad.

Although the Vigilance Bureau did not uncover definitive irregularities during its initial review, the former Vigilance Director Yogesh Gupta recommended that the CBI investigate whether the foreign funds raised were misappropriated.

He also noted that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a Vigilance case but emphasized the necessity for an independent central entity to scrutinize the foreign transactions.

The report additionally suggested investigating whether Satheesan had traveled abroad without obtaining the necessary permissions.

This timing has drawn criticism from the opposition, who perceive the action as politically charged, given the imminent Assembly elections.

It is noteworthy that a complaint against Satheesan was initially lodged in 2020, but a formal Vigilance inquiry only commenced in 2023. During the latter part of the first Pinarayi Vijayan administration, when the issue was raised in the Assembly, Satheesan openly challenged the government to initiate a Vigilance investigation.

Under the 'Punarjani' project, approximately 280 families impacted by the floods in Paravur received new housing, with 37 homes constructed through contributions from expatriate Malayalis.

Satheesan sought assistance during visits to Dubai and the UK. The complaint alleging illicit foreign fundraising was filed by Jason Panikulam, an office-bearer of the Chalakudy-based Catholic Action Council.