Kochi, Feb 5 : The investigation into the fraudulent corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund scheme has intensified as authorities continue to receive complaints from victims who were promised two-wheelers at half the market price but never received them. Police estimate that the scam, orchestrated by 26-year-old Thodupuzha resident Anandhu Krishnan, could exceed ₹1,000 crore.
As of Wednesday, approximately 500 complaints had been filed in the Muvattupuzha region alone. Meanwhile, the Kannur Town Police have registered a case against Congress leader Laly Vincent in connection with the fraudulent scheme. The scam was conducted under the guise of an NGO named Muvattupuzha Socio-Economic Development Society, with Laly Vincent being listed as the seventh accused.
The Ernakulam Rural Police have registered 10 cases against Anandhu so far. Authorities revealed that Anandhu cultivated close relationships with politicians from various parties and often leveraged these connections to enhance his credibility. According to Ernakulam Rural Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena, Anandhu’s bank accounts—containing ₹4 to ₹5 crore—have been frozen.
In Kannur, the case was filed based on a complaint from the society’s Kannur block secretary, P Mohanan, who alleged that Laly Vincent frequently visited Kannur with Anandhu for various “dealings.” He also claimed that she attended meetings held by the society. Kannur City Police Commissioner P Nithin Raj stated that nearly 500 complaints had been registered within the city alone, with the fraudulent activities amounting to approximately ₹8 crore.
“Our investigation suggests that while the society’s promoters are named as accused, several local-level promoters are also victims. Laly Vincent served as the legal adviser for the society and had previously represented it in legal matters,” Nithin Raj added.
Charitable Organisations Among Victims
Numerous charitable organisations across Kerala also fell prey to the fraudulent scheme, losing substantial amounts of money. On Wednesday, hundreds of women gathered at the Kannur Commissioner’s office, alleging that local police had refused to register their complaints.
“Many of us came to know about the society through WhatsApp groups run by local panchayats. Several of its promoters had political affiliations, and even the society’s inauguration in Kannur was attended by MLA K V Sumesh,” said one of the victims.
The society, established in April 2023 in Kannur, was operated by a 13-member promoter group. It falsely claimed to be part of a Central government initiative backed by CSR funds from major corporations. Victims were charged a registration fee of up to ₹6,000 and were promised laptops and home appliances at half price, with the remaining cost allegedly covered by CSR contributions. The scheme later expanded to include two-wheelers and other household items. However, when the promised goods never arrived, complaints began pouring in.
