Delay in microfinance fraud case probe irks Kerala HC

Kochi: High court has expressed its displeasure over the delay in completing the ongoing vigilance investigation into the alleged microfinance fraud case involving SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan and others.Justice A Badharudeen directed the investigating officer to complete the probe without fail on or before May 20. HC was considering a petition filed in 2020 by M S Anil of Cherthala, seeking a thorough and effective vigilance investigation by a special team led by an honest and efficient officer.Earlier, the case had been entrusted to S Sasidharan, superintendent of police, who currently holds the post of assistant director (administration), Kerala Police Academy (KEPA). He is also serving as an investigating officer of the special investigation team (SIT) constituted by HC to probe the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple.Upon perusing the progress report submitted by the vigilance team in the microfinance fraud case, HC noted that although 124 cases had been registered in connection with the allegations, the investigation appeared to have made little progress. It was submitted that the delay was due to the officer's involvement in the Sabarimala case probe. Expressing strong displeasure at this explanation, HC observed that investigations into serious cases cannot be stalled for any reason. Accordingly, it directed the investigating officer to proceed more diligently and complete the investigation, taking assistance from subordinates, if necessary, on or before May 20.The case, originally registered in 2016, pertains to the alleged misappropriation of Rs 15.85 crore in govt loans disbursed in eight instances between 2003 and 2014 under a microfinance scheme intended to benefit members of marginalised communities through the SNDP Yogam. The allegations include collusion between SNDP Yogam officials and former managing directors of Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation.