Half-price scooter scam: Ananthu's diary recovered, those who received money will be named accused

KOCHI: In a major breakthrough in the half-price scooter scam, police recovered two diaries containing crucial financial details of the prime accused, Ananthu Krishnan, a native of Kudayathoor, Thodupuzha. The diaries were seized during an evidence collection procedure at his office in Paipra, Muvattupuzha. Reports suggest that these documents contain details of those involved in the fraud.

During questioning, Ananthu Krishnan disclosed the names of individuals who made financial transactions with him. Authorities are also conducting a detailed examination of his bank accounts.

On Saturday, police took Ananthu Krishnan to six locations in Idukki and Erattupetta, where he had allegedly purchased land using money from the scam. The first stop was Erattupetta, where a large crowd gathered in protest. Subsequent evidence collection took place in Shankarappilly, Kolapra, and Kudayathoor. Notably, he had acquired land at two different locations in Kolapra.

Police suspect that Ananthu Krishnan also purchased land in Idukki under benami names. Due to public unrest, authorities refrained from conducting evidence collection at his residence. Today, investigations will extend to his offices in Panampilly Nagar and Kalamassery, Ernakulam. Ananthu Krishnan’s custody period will end on Monday, and authorities are working to seize land documents stored at his office and residence in Muvattupuzha. Police hope to recover these documents during today’s proceedings to freeze all fraudulent transactions.

Delivered scooters to only 18,000 people
Ananthu Krishnan allegedly collected money from 40,000 individuals, promising scooters at half price, but delivered vehicles to only 18,000 people. Additionally, he convinced over 95,000 people to pay in advance for various consumer goods at discounted rates.

Six new cases registered
Six new cases were registered across Ernakulam district on Saturday in connection with the scam. Complaints were filed in Piravom, Koothattukulam, Mulamthuruthy, and three cases in North Paravur. In Paravur, members of the Janaseva Samithi Trust were also named as accused. The number of complaints from this region alone has reached 535.