Special vigilance investigation team formed under DIG Thomson Jose to probe irregularities in KIIFB

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has formed a high-level team to investigate the irregularities in the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The investigation will be led by DIG Thomson Jose. This is the highest monetary case investigated by the vigilance department. A letter will be sent to KIIFB seeking relevant documents. The SIT will initially focus on the land acquisition in Kannur.

The decision to order a vigilance investigation into the allegations related to KIIFB was taken at the cabinet meeting convened on Friday. Land acquisition and appointments linked to KIIFB projects will also come under the purview of the investigation. The action follows the report of Sudha Pillai Committee, appointed by the government to examine KIIFB.

KIIFB had granted approval for land acquisition worth crores of rupees in Kannur. A detailed investigation will be conducted into alleged procedural lapses, with technical assistance from the finance and revenue departments. This is why the cabinet decided to entrust the vigilance.

An expert committee was entrusted to examine the previous activities and financial transactions of KIIFB soon after the UDF government assumed office. The committee’s report highlighted irregularities and corruption from the side of KIIFB. The vigilance will investigate the major corruption allegations and financial irregularities mentioned in the report. A detailed preliminary report will be prepared based on the committee's findings, and further investigation will proceed on that basis in the coming days.