Synopsis
The Kerala Crime Branch has taken K.N. Anand Kumar, a prominent social activist, into custody following a court's denial of bail regarding a Rs 1,000 crore CSR fund scam. The investigation reveals extensive fraud involving numerous victims and significant financial misconduct linked to Anand Kumar and associates.Key Takeaways
- Arrest of Anand Kumar in CSR scam.
- Investigation reveals over 500 cases of fraud.
- Victims misled by promises of low-cost consumer goods.
- Health complications reported during custody.
- Parallel investigations by Enforcement Directorate.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 11 (NationPress) Shortly after a local court in the state capital denied bail to K.N. Anand Kumar, the Chairman of the NGO Confederation and a prominent social activist in Kerala, the Crime Branch police apprehended him as part of the investigation into the Rs 1,000 crore corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund fraud. Anand Kumar is accused of receiving Rs 10 lakh monthly over several months from Ananthu Krishnan, the alleged mastermind of this extensive scam. Krishnan, recognized as the kingpin of the fraudulent operation, is currently in judicial custody.
After the court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea, a Crime Branch team promptly arrived at Anand Kumar's home in Thiruvananthapuram and took him into custody.
The investigation team intended to transfer him to Alappuzha for further questioning regarding his involvement in the fraudulent activities.
However, while in custody, Anand Kumar reportedly experienced health issues, requiring him to be moved to a hospital for a medical evaluation.
The scam, orchestrated by Krishnan and his associates, involved deceiving victims by presenting high-value consumer products—such as scooters, laptops, and sewing machines—at half their market price under the pretense of a CSR initiative. This aggressive marketing strategy lured thousands of unsuspecting investors, who believed they were making a profitable purchase via corporate sponsorship.
As the fraudulent scheme unraveled, numerous victims stepped forward, claiming they had invested their savings in what seemed like a promising opportunity.
However, when the promised products did not arrive, complaints began flooding in from across Kerala, resulting in a comprehensive police investigation.
The Crime Branch’s inquiry has unveiled the staggering magnitude of the scam, leading to the filing of over 500 cases of financial fraud across all 14 districts of the state. With Krishnan's arrest, authorities have been narrowing in on key figures associated with the operation, including Anand Kumar, whose involvement remains under scrutiny.
Last month, as part of a parallel investigation, the Kochi unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed raids at 12 locations throughout Kerala to trace the financial trail and possible instances of money laundering tied to the scam.
