Kerala, Feb 3 : The Muvattupuzha police are preparing to file a custody application for Anandu Krishnan, the alleged mastermind behind a statewide scam that exploited corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding to promise two-wheelers at half price. Authorities are investigating whether any individuals or organizations were involved in validating the fraudulent CSR funds and if others were complicit in the scheme.

The investigation aims to uncover the total amount collected, identify those who made payments, and trace any dealers or dealerships connected to the scam. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) P.M. Baiju stated, “We have registered cases in Kothamangalam and Pothanikkad police stations, with the scam amounting to around ₹7.95 crore in Muvattupuzha alone. A detailed interrogation is critical to uncover the full extent of the operation.”

The police are also analyzing a widely circulated voice message allegedly from Anandu, urging victims not to file complaints and assuring them of vehicle delivery upon his release. Investigators suspect the message was either pre-recorded before his arrest or fabricated by someone else.

According to sources, Anandu initially delivered vehicles and home appliances to a few customers to build trust. He then launched extensive promotional campaigns, drawing in more buyers, before redirecting the collected funds to finance a luxurious lifestyle and acquire properties for further fraudulent activities. He had previously been remanded in a similar case at the Adimali police station.

Depending on the progress of the ongoing investigation, currently led by the Muvattupuzha police, the case may be transferred to a special investigation team for a more comprehensive probe.