HC asks Vigilance team to complete probe into ‘micro-finance fraud’ in three months

The Kerala High Court has directed the Vigilance Special Investigation Team to complete the probe into the alleged micro-finance fraud involving SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan and others within three months.

Originally registered in 2016, the case pertains to the alleged misappropriation of ₹15.85 crore worth government loans disbursed through the SNDP Yogam between 2003 and 2014 under a microfinance scheme that was intended to benefit members of marginalised communities. There was also an alleged collusion between SNDP Yogam officials and former managing directors of the Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation (KSBCDC).

A Bench of Justice K. Babu issued the directive while considering a petition filed in 2020 by M.S. Anil of Cherthala. He had sought a thorough vigilance probe led by an honest and efficient officer. The investigation headed by J. Himendranath, Superintendent of Police (SP), was subsequently assigned to S. Sasidharan, SP, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), Central Range, Ernakulam. Mr. Sasidharan has now been posted as Assistant Director (Administration), Kerala Police Academy.

The Director of Vigilance submitted before the court that the probe could either be headed by Mr. Sasidharan or handed over to the incumbent at the VACB, Central Range, Ernakulam. The court said that he had been handling the case since November 2024, and that the investigation was in its final stage. Mr. Sasidharan submitted that he could complete the probe within three months. The court thus directed the State government to issue necessary orders entrusting him with the investigation.