Kochi, Feb 7 : A preliminary investigation by Kerala Police into an alleged corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund scam has revealed that the prime accused deceived more than 200 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by offering electronic goods at half their original price. Authorities disclosed on Thursday that the accused managed transactions worth ₹450 crore over the past several months through nearly 19 bank accounts.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Ananthu Krishnan from Idukki, allegedly lured individuals and charitable organizations by claiming to source products such as two-wheelers, laptops, water purifiers, and sewing machines at subsidized rates through CSR funds from major private companies.
According to an investigating officer, Krishnan partnered with several charitable trusts under the guise of being a coordinator for the National NGO Federation. He assured these trusts that he could provide products at discounted rates, encouraging them to identify beneficiaries, pool funds, and promote the initiative. However, he ultimately failed to deliver on his promises, defrauding both the trusts and their beneficiaries.
“In Kunnathunad, we have received 130 complaints from individuals who paid a charitable trust for two-wheelers but never received them, even after six months. Out of 140 expected recipients, only 10 actually got the vehicles,” the officer stated. “The trust itself has lodged a complaint. Similar reports have emerged from Vazhakulam, Muvattupuzha, and North Paravur, leading to approximately 15 FIRs being registered in Ernakulam Rural.”
Police are currently scrutinizing Krishnan’s 19 bank accounts to trace the flow of money and gather further evidence. “The full extent of the scam remains unclear, as complaints continue to pour in,” the officer added.
On Thursday, a court in Ernakulam remanded Krishnan to five days in police custody. Authorities plan to take him to his Muvattupuzha office for further questioning.
Meanwhile, BJP state vice-president AN Radhakrishnan denied any links between his charitable organization, the Society for Integrated Growth of the Nation, and the fraudulent scheme. “We were only an implementing agency and had no affiliation with the NGO Federation. Like the 200 other charitable organizations, we, too, were victims of this scam. While we distributed two-wheelers and other products initially, the supply eventually halted. Since then, we have been refunding money to the affected beneficiaries,” he said.
Perinthalmanna MLA and IUML leader Najeeb Kanthapuram, whose charity firm MUDRA was also involved in the initiative, expressed similar sentiments. “We first noticed irregularities in September when product deliveries stopped. When we inquired, Krishnan and his associates assured us the CSR funds were being approved, so we waited. Now, numerous complaints have surfaced. Every victim must be compensated, and I will actively support the legal proceedings,” he stated.
