Kochi : Vigilance initiates probe against Opposition Leader VD Satheesan based on complaint it received that overseas fundraising in the name of Punarjani scheme has lots of unlawfulness about it. The complaint, lodged by Chalakudy Kathikudam Action Council alleges that Satheesan’s fundraising abroad - purportedly to build houses for flood victims of 2018 - was in violation of FCRI Act.
Vigilance will look into foreign trips Satheesan undertook arguably for the Punarjani scheme, the quantum fund raised, irregularities in its spending etc. The Order for investigations is based on complaint the Director of Vigilance received against VD Satheesan.
In preliminary investigations, Vigilance is set to examine if there occurred any violation of Foreign Contribution(Regulation) Act. The Vigilance issued Order for preliminary investigations following confidential findings and legal advice with regard to complaint against Satheesan. There were allegations raised recently of a solar inverter scam having been carried out under cover of Punarjani project.
Information surfacing now endorses CPI(M)’s claim that there took place massive fraud in the name of Punarjani scheme. Crores of rupees were collected including in foreign countries. When political Parties demanded figures in this regard, Satheesan had said he would disclose accounts involved after a social audit. However, with new facts and allegations coming to light, Satheesan is headed for embarrassment he so far stalled by keeping figures under wraps.
