Scooter at half price; Ananthu Krishnan deceived victims of Mundakkai disaster as well

WAYANAD: The victims of the Mundakkai landslide disaster were among those deceived in the CSR fund scam. The accused misled the disaster victims by promising them scooters at half price and embezzled the relief funds they had received. The women who paid for the scooters never received them. A woman who fell victim to the scam told the media that hundreds of people across Wayanad district were defrauded.

Following the scam, Ananthu Krishnan amassed vast amounts of land worth crores. He purchased land near his house in Idukki and in Pala. He carried out the fraud by forming NGOs and involving elected representatives to create credibility. Under the name of the NGO Confederation, Ananthu Krishnan misled people with false promises of providing scooters, laptops, and agricultural equipment at half price. Reports indicate that more than Rs 300 crore was collected under various schemes. The revelation of multiple land purchases came out amidst allegations of fund misappropriation.

Congress leader Laly Vincent has also been named as an accused in the case registered by Kannur Town Police. Ananthu Krishnan is among seven individuals charged in the fraud case. Laly Vincent is listed as the seventh accused. However, Laly Vincent has denied any financial involvement, stating that she only provided legal counsel and that Ananthu was made a scapegoat. She also claimed that the case against her was politically motivated and that she considered Ananthu like a son.