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Hundreds of people, mostly women, have fallen victim to a massive scam in Kerala, where they were promised two-wheelers and household appliances at half price under the pretext of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding. The fraudulent scheme, which allegedly swindled crores of rupees, has led to over 10 FIRs being filed across multiple districts, with complaints continuing to pour in by the hour.
False Promises and Financial Losses
Sindhu K, a chef from Azhikode in Kannur district, was among the victims who trusted the scheme. She was informed by a local tailors’ welfare board member, Pushpajan, that CSR funds from major companies were facilitating the offer. According to Sindhu, the scheme promised two-wheelers, sewing machines, water purifiers, and laptops at half the on-road price.
Encouraged by testimonies from individuals who had reportedly received products under the scheme, Sindhu transferred ₹60,000 in July for a TVS Jupiter scooter. She and many others were assured delivery within 100 working days. However, the vehicles never arrived, prompting widespread complaints.
On Wednesday, several victims lodged complaints at police stations across Kerala, exposing the large-scale scam.
Key Accused Arrested, Investigation Expands
Police have arrested the main accused, Ananthu Krishnan (28), from Kochi on January 31. He was taken into custody by the Muvattupuzha police after multiple complaints were registered against him. He has been booked under Sections 316 and 317 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and criminal breach of trust.
“We have filed at least 10 cases in the Ernakulam Rural police limits and arrested the prime accused. His bank accounts containing ₹4 crore have been frozen,” said Ernakulam Rural Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Saxena.
How the Scam Was Executed
According to police sources, Krishnan founded a fake organization named Muvattupuzha Socio Economic and Environmental Development Society a few years ago. He claimed to have access to CSR funds from major companies, which would be used to provide essential goods at discounted rates to marginalized individuals.
Authorities revealed that Krishnan created 62 so-called “Seed Societies” across panchayat, block, and district levels. He appointed local promoters to collect money from unsuspecting buyers. While some people received their products, the majority were left empty-handed.
Political Links and Legal Proceedings
The scandal took a political turn as senior Congress leader Lali Vincent, a legal advisor to Krishnan, was named in an FIR in Kannur district. Vincent defended Krishnan, suggesting that he was possibly a scapegoat after others failed to provide the promised CSR funds.
The economic offences wing of the Crime Branch is expected to take over the probe, as complaints have emerged from multiple districts.
Victims Demand Justice
Many victims, like Sindhu, are demanding strict action against the accused and a refund of their money.
“The accused should not go scot-free. The money in his frozen accounts must be returned to the victims. I had pawned my gold to pay for the scooter. Now, I just want my money back,” she said.
The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected as authorities uncover further details of the fraudulent scheme.
Sources By Agencies
