KOCHI, KERALA (India CSR): In a shocking revelation, Kerala police have uncovered a massive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scam that has left over 200 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and countless individuals in financial distress. The accused, Ananthu Krishnan, allegedly promised two-wheelers, laptops, and household appliances at half the price, exploiting the trust of charitable organizations and beneficiaries. What started as a well-intentioned initiative quickly turned into a multi-crore fraud, leaving victims in despair.
The Promise of Affordable Goods Through CSR Funds
Ananthu Krishnan, a 26-year-old resident of Idukki, presented himself as the coordinator of the National NGO Federation. He claimed to have access to CSR funds from major private companies, which he said would allow him to provide essential items like two-wheelers, water purifiers, and sewing machines at heavily discounted rates. Charitable trusts across Kerala partnered with him, believing his promises would benefit underprivileged communities.
However, the dream of affordable goods soon turned into a nightmare. Krishnan failed to deliver the promised items, leaving both NGOs and beneficiaries in the lurch. According to police, he operated 19 bank accounts, through which transactions worth Rs 450 crore were conducted over several months.
How the Scam Unfolded
Krishnan’s modus operandi was simple yet effective. He partnered with charitable trusts, asking them to identify beneficiaries, pool funds, and promote the initiative. In return, he promised to deliver the goods at half the market price. However, after collecting the money, Krishnan vanished, leaving beneficiaries empty-handed.
For instance, in Kunnathunad, 130 complaints were filed by individuals who paid for two-wheelers but never received them. Out of 140 beneficiaries, only 10 actually got the promised vehicles. Similar complaints poured in from Vazhakulam, Muvattupuzha, and North Paravur, prompting the police to file 15 FIRs in Ernakulam Rural alone.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
The Kerala police are currently investigating the 19 bank accounts linked to Krishnan, scrutinizing transactions to determine the full extent of the scam. “The size of the scam is still unclear as more complaints are coming in,” said an officer involved in the probe.
On Thursday, a court in Ernakulam remanded Krishnan to five-day police custody. He is expected to be taken to his office in Muvattupuzha for further interrogation. Meanwhile, political leaders and charitable organizations associated with the scheme have distanced themselves from the scam, claiming they were also victims of Krishnan’s deceit.
Voices from the Victims
BJP state vice-president AN Radhakrishnan, whose organization Society for Integrated Growth of the Nation was involved in the initiative, denied any wrongdoing. “We are only an implementing agency and have no connection to the scam. We, too, were cheated,” he said.
Perinthalmanna MLA Najeeb Kanthapuram, whose charity MUDRA was part of the scheme, echoed similar sentiments. “This is a highly suspicious scam. We stopped receiving products in September, and when we inquired, we were told to wait for CSR fund approvals. Now, countless people have been left in the lurch,” he said, vowing to fight for justice for the victims.
A Call for Accountability and Justice
The Kerala CSR scam highlights the vulnerabilities in systems designed to help the underprivileged. While CSR initiatives are meant to bridge gaps in society, this incident underscores the need for stricter oversight and transparency.
For the hundreds of NGOs and individuals affected, the road to recovery will be long. However, with ongoing investigations and legal action, there is hope that justice will be served, and the victims will recover their hard-earned money.
(India CSR)
