Kerala's Crime Branch Investigates ₹1,000 Crore CSR Fraud
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Synopsis
Kerala's Crime Branch is now investigating a massive ₹1,000 crore CSR fraud following numerous public complaints. The probe involves multiple districts and aims to uncover the extent of the scam linked to various political figures.
Key Takeaways
- Investigation into a ₹1,000 crore CSR scam.
- Led by ADGP H. Venkatesh.
- Initial 34 cases, potentially exceeding 30,000.
- Political figures implicated in the scam.
- Victims promised products at half price.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 10 (NationPress) In response to escalating public complaints regarding a colossal fraudulent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme, estimated to surpass ₹1,000 crore, Kerala State Police Chief (SPC) Sheikh Darvesh Sahib has delegated the investigation to the Crime Branch.
This decision was made after thorough consultations and was disclosed on Monday.
The inquiry will be spearheaded by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H. Venkatesh, with distinct teams being established in all 14 districts of the state to address the increasing number of complaints.
Initially, 34 cases have been assigned to the Crime Branch. However, preliminary examination of bank accounts associated with the NGO ‘Muvattupuzha Socio-Economic Development Society’ and the suspected mastermind, 26-year-old Anandhu Krishnan, indicates that the total number of cases could exceed 30,000, as nearly one lakh individuals are believed to have been affected by the scam.
Krishnan deceived victims by offering products like scooters, laptops, and sewing machines at half their market value. His marketing strategies persuaded many to invest their earnings in what appeared to be a profitable opportunity.
The scam has also involved political figures from Kerala’s three principal political factions — the ruling CPI(M)-led Left, the Congress-led UDF, and the BJP — following revelations that several leaders received funds from Krishnan.
On Monday, first-time Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnaden vehemently refuted claims made by a Malayalam TV channel that he had accepted ₹7 lakh from Krishnan. Expressing his indignation, Kuzhalnaden announced in the Kerala Assembly that he would pursue legal action against the channel.
“My only association with this case was when a party colleague informed me that he and others had deposited money but had not received their promised items. I reached out to Krishnan and requested either a refund or the delivery of the goods. Subsequently, all funds were returned,” Kuzhalnaden clarified.
Krishnan’s police custody concludes on Monday, and following the initial phase of questioning and evidence gathering, authorities have opted not to request an extension. He will now be placed in judicial custody.
Meanwhile, Sai Trust chairman K.N. Anand Kumar, a prominent social figure from the state capital, is also under investigation due to his ties with Krishnan. Denying any misconduct, Anand Kumar stated, “I have not vanished. All contributions received have been accurately documented and have undergone proper legal procedures.”
Former Kerala High Court Judge C.N. Ramachandran Nair has also been implicated in one case, which he strongly contests. He denied any involvement, asserting that he was never a supporter of Krishnan’s organization and had only served as an advisor before resigning.
Investigations have uncovered that Krishnan lived a luxurious lifestyle, spending ₹3.38 lakh on air travel to Delhi and back and ₹3.66 lakh on upscale hotel accommodations in December alone. Authorities have also identified 21 different bank accounts linked to Krishnan and his entities.
With the Crime Branch now at the helm of the inquiry, attention is focused on whether the investigation will implicate political leaders who had publicly endorsed Krishnan’s operations.
