Half-price scooter, laptop scam; political connections helped Ananthukrishnan

KOCHI: Police say that Ananthukrishnan (29), the main accused in the case of cheating crores of rupees by promising scooters, sewing machines, laptops and other things at half price, used his political connections for this scam. He deceived many including women, by showing pictures of himself with people ranging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Panchayat President on social media. He manipulated them by displaying his closeness to political leaders.

He also has connections with BJP leader A.N. Radhakrishnan and Congress leader Lali Vincent. Political leaders were made the inaugurators of his programmes by making them believe that it was done for public welfare. They are also investigating whether political leaders were involved in the scam.

Initial assessment suggests that the scam could cross Rs. 1,000 crore. Rs. 400 crore reached one account alone. It is suspected that the lion's share of this was diverted. The police have collected information about the different plots of land that Ananthu purchased.

Land was purchased near Ananthu's house in Kolapra in Thodupuzha, and also in Muttam, Ezham Mile, Shankarappalli and Pala. These lands are worth between Rs. 1.5 lakh and Rs. 4 lakh per cent. He has also purchased land in Karnataka. He also owns vehicles worth lakhs. The case investigation was handed over to the Crime Branch, but the proceedings have not been completed yet. The police headquarters has instructed to file cases in all the received complaints.

2500 NGOs
The police found that Ananthu Krishnan had formed 2500 NGOs for the scam. A trust was formed in February last year under the name 'National NGO Project Consulting Agency'. Five members of the trust will be questioned. More than 2000 complaints have been received from across the state.

'Cases related to Ananthu have been handled. For about three years, have received request to prepare contracts related to motorbikes, laptops, phones, etc. There are also contracts with more than 75 NGOs.'
- Laly Vincent, Former Vice President, KPCC

'There is no financial transaction with Ananthukrishnan. I came to know about the 'Anana' scooter scam through the news. I met him when I was a member of the Women's Commission.'
- Pramila Devi, BJP