In a major development, Kerala’s chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan revealed that over ₹281 crore was collected from more than 49,000 individuals through a CSR scam that promised two wheelers at half the price. However, only about one-third of the beneficiaries actually received the promised scooters. The scam was orchestrated through the Socio-Economic and Environmental Development Society and the NGO Confederation. According to Pinarayi Vijayan, a detailed Crime Branch investigation has so far registered 1,343 FIRs across the state, with 665 cases already transferred to the Crime Branch division.
Pinarayi Vijayan provided an overview of the scam during the Assembly’s question hour, responding to inquiries from assembly member Murali Perunelly. He explained that based on the findings from 386 cases that have been probed, the accused collected a total of ₹281.43 crore from 49,386 people. The promise was to deliver scooters at a significantly reduced price, but only 16,438 individuals received them, leaving thousands cheated out of their money.
The scam extended beyond just two wheelers. Funds were also collected through seed societies and charitable trusts, promising discounted laptops and sewing machines. For laptops, ₹9.22 crore was amassed from 36,891 individuals, but only 29,897 beneficiaries eventually received them. Similarly, in the case of sewing machines, ₹23.24 crore was collected from 56,052 people, while only 53,478 received the promised items. These discrepancies have raised serious concerns over the transparency and execution of the CSR initiatives.
Authorities have taken swift action against those involved. Six individuals, including the key accused Ananthu Krishnan and Ananda Kumar, have been arrested. Others who were detained include Ravi Panackal, PP Basheer, Riyas, and Muhammed Shafi. Over 20 bank accounts linked to the accused have been frozen, and legal proceedings are underway to attach three of their properties. The scamsters used their association with prominent figures to gain the trust of potential victims, assuring them that the funds were sourced from large companies’ CSR budgets and even the Union government. Coordinators and field staff were deployed to attract beneficiaries, further bolstering their fraudulent operations.
The ongoing probe by the Crime Branch is still in its initial stages, with over 220 cases under active investigation. Pinarayi Vijayan hinted that further details, including any potential political links to the scam, might surface as the inquiry progresses. The case stands as a stark reminder of the need for stringent oversight and transparency in CSR initiatives to protect the interests of the public.
