Thiruvananthapuram :The Vigilance has obtained incriminating evidence of unauthorised funds the Opposition Leader VD Satheesan raised abroad and their subsequent disappearance. The funds were raised the name of relief for flood victims. Based on the complaint in this regard, the Vigilance has sought permission for detailed probe into matters including abuse of official position. The file currently lies before the government for consideration.
In his home constituency of Paravur, there arose complaint that Satheesan collected massive sums in the name of Punarjani housing scheme that would build homes for flood victims of 2018. The Central government clarified that Satheesan did not receive permission to raise money abroad between 2017 - 2020.
The complaint was originally received by CBI, then handed over to Vigilance. It alleges funds were transferred through bank accounts of Satheesan’s friends from abroad. More evidence in this regard remains to be collected.
Proofs emerged earlier of funds Satheesan raised in UK and Gulf. Stumped with questions at a press conference, Satheesan had admitted he received overseas money. There also surfaced a video of Satheesan’s speech in Birmingham seeking funds. When confronted, Satheesan said there would be a social audit for the funds raised. The words remained just that.
Youth Congress Ernakulam District Secretary PS Rajendra Prasad and Kathikudam Action Council President Jaison Pannikulangara filed complaint with the High Court and Chief Minister in this regard. The complaint says crores of rupees were collected abroad but were never used to build any house. Instead, houses built by voluntary organisations and private donors here were named after Punarjani. Lions Club that contributed housing money had protested putting up of Punarjani board, the complaint said.
