Synopsis
Kerala is shaken as a massive Rs 1,000 crore CSR fund scam unfolds, impacting major political parties and leaving thousands of citizens deceived. Key figures, including politicians, are now under scrutiny as investigations proceed.Key Takeaways
- Kerala's latest scam involves a fraudulent CSR fund of Rs 1,000 crore.
- The operation was led by Anandhu Krishnan under a fake NGO.
- Over 700 complaints have been filed against Krishnan.
- Political leaders from all major parties have been implicated.
- Krishnan's bank account held Rs 5 crore when frozen.
Kochi, Feb 8 (NationPress) Once again, Kerala has been rattled by financial scams perpetrated by unscrupulous operators promising extravagant returns. The most recent scandal, involving a staggering Rs 1,000 crore fraudulent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund, has sent shockwaves across the three principal political factions.
As usual, the victims of this scheme are the unsuspecting common citizens.
This fraudulent operation was disguised under the NGO 'Muvattupuzha Socio-Economic Development Society,' masterminded by 26-year-old Anandhu Krishnan.
Through his persuasive marketing, Krishnan led people to believe they could obtain scooters, laptops, and sewing machines at half their market value.
Complaints have been pouring in from all over Kerala, with over 700 reports filed at various police stations.
Authorities have revealed that approximately one lakh individuals fell victim to the scam, depositing their funds with Krishnan’s associates.
Additionally, politicians from all three major parties in Kerala—the ruling CPI(M)-led Left, the Congress-led UDF, and the BJP—have found themselves in a precarious situation following revelations that they accepted money from this fraudster.
With Krishnan now in police custody, a swift action was taken to freeze his bank account, which reportedly held about Rs 5 crore at the time.
The first political figure implicated was senior BJP leader A.N. Radhakrishnan, who quickly defended himself, asserting that all funds received were properly accounted for.
Next, Congress leader Laly Vincent claimed her role was limited to serving as a legal advisor to Krishnan and insisted she had no further involvement.
Fearing political repercussions, Vincent sought anticipatory bail from the Kerala High Court, which ruled that she should not be arrested until her bail application is resolved.
However, questions have arisen regarding the substantial fees she reportedly charged for her services.
Upon reviewing the financial transactions made by Krishnan, it has been disclosed that leaders from the CPI(M) also received funds from him, indicating that the con artist had tacit support from politicians across all three factions.
Krishnan's strategy included enlisting high-profile politicians, including ministers, to promote his public campaigns, where they were seen distributing goods to beneficiaries.
To enhance his credibility, he also involved KN Anand Kumar, chairman of Sai Trust, a well-known figure in social circles within the state capital, who apparently also received funds from Krishnan.
Additionally, Opposition legislator Najeeb Kanthapuram is now facing legal trouble after a victim filed a complaint against him, although he claims to be another victim of Krishnan's deceit.
As Krishnan remains in custody and police continue their investigation, various political parties are awaiting the developments closely, as the upcoming days are pivotal with the Assembly currently in session.
