Kerala’s State Police Chief (SPC) Shaik Darvesh Saheb on Monday (February 10, 2025) issued a circular transferring the investigation into 34 cases registered at various police stations across the State in connection with the alleged CSR funds scam to the State Crime Branch (CB) with immediate effect.
The circular stated that the decision was taken considering the “sensational nature” of the scam and for ensuring an effective investigation and safeguarding the interests of the investors.
“The ADGP, Crime Branch, will get the cases registered in the Crime Branch police station forthwith and entrust the investigation in the cases to a competent officer or team of officers of the State Crime Branch,” the circular said.
As per the circular, 34 crime cases were registered at various police stations for cheating and misappropriation of money in connection with the fake CSR fund scam, in which the fraudsters swindled many across the State by offering laptops, two-wheelers, and home appliances at half price claiming that the discount is part of the CSR activities of various NGOs and charitable organisations.
The total amount cheated in these cases was to the tune of ₹37 crore.
Further, it is learned that a lot of petitions are being received against the same accused from various districts, the circular said.
The cases being transferred include 11 each in Idukki and Ernakulam Rural, 8 in Alappuzha, three in Kottayam and one in Kannur town.
The District Police Chiefs of Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam Rural and Kannur City have been directed to hand over the case file and related documents to ADGP, Crime Branch, immediately.
Meanwhile, it was reported that the petitioners who had turned up at the house of K.N. Ananda Kumar, chairman of the National NGO Confederation set up by the key accused Ananthu Krishnan, at Sasthamangalam in Thiruvananthapuram found it locked.
Reportedly, even more cases are being registered, with complaints continuing to pour in at police stations across the State. These cases will also be handed over to the Crime Branch in due course.
Published - February 10, 2025 01:17 pm IST
