Kochi: The Kerala High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the Crime Branch report on the progress of the investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the microfinance scheme operated for members of SNDP Yogam. The court has directed investigating officer S. Sasidharan to appear personally before it on August 14 after finding that the report did not contain several details required to assess the progress of the investigation.
The matter is connected with a petition filed in 2020 by M.S. Anil, a resident of Cherthala, seeking a thorough and effective vigilance investigation into alleged irregularities in the microfinance scheme. The petitioner had sought a special team headed by an honest and competent officer to conduct the probe.
An earlier report submitted before the High Court by the investigating officer stated that final reports had been filed before the respective vigilance special courts in 17 cases. It also stated that investigations in 30 cases had not detected irregularities considered sufficient to support prosecution.
However, the report also referred to specific instances in which funds meant for eligible beneficiaries were allegedly diverted or misappropriated. These instances were reported in connection with unions at Pulppally, Ranni, Mananthavady, Kunnathunadu, Kanayannur, Chittur and Taliparamba.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the court examined the progress report and found that it did not provide details about the total number of cases registered or the particulars of the individual cases. The bench observed that such information was necessary to understand the overall status of the investigation.
The court therefore directed the investigating officer to appear personally and explain the position before the bench. The case is being heard by Justice A. Badharudeen.
The allegations relate to the microfinance programme associated with SNDP Yogam, under which financial assistance was intended for eligible members. The investigation has examined allegations concerning the alleged diversion and misappropriation of funds and instances where money intended for beneficiaries may not have been used for the stated purpose.
The cases identified during the investigation involve several unions across Kerala. The Crime Branch report indicated that action had progressed to the stage of filing final reports in some cases, while investigations in other cases did not result in material considered sufficient for prosecution.
The High Court’s concern, however, centres on the lack of clarity in the latest status report. The court wants the investigating agency to provide a clear picture of the total number of cases registered, the allegations involved in each case, the current stage of investigation and the action taken in individual matters.
The court’s direction is significant because the proceedings have been pending since the petition was filed in 2020. The petitioner had originally sought a dedicated investigation into the alleged financial irregularities and had argued that the matter required an effective and comprehensive probe.
The investigating officer will now be required to place the complete status of the investigation before the court during the August 14 hearing. The court is expected to examine details concerning the number of cases registered, final reports submitted, cases in which no prosecutable irregularities were found and matters involving alleged diversion or misappropriation of funds.
The investigation has also examined alleged instances in which money intended for eligible beneficiaries was reportedly diverted from its designated purpose. Authorities are expected to clarify the nature of these transactions and the action taken in cases where such irregularities were identified.
The court’s latest order places the progress of the investigation under closer judicial scrutiny. The appearance of the investigating officer on August 14 is expected to provide the bench with a clearer account of the cases examined so far, the findings reached in individual matters and the action taken on allegations of financial diversion and misappropriation.
The High Court will also have an opportunity to assess whether the investigation has adequately addressed the allegations raised in the original petition. Further proceedings will depend on the detailed status report and explanation presented before the court.
