THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Vigilance team will be constituted tomorrow to investigate allegations of financial irregularities in the 'Punarjani' project implemented in Paravur, the constituency of opposition leader VD Satheesan, to rebuild flood-damaged houses. The Ernakulam unit is likely to be made in charge of the inquiry.

However, appointing a special investigation team is also under consideration as it is a case where an investigation must be conducted regarding foreign funds as well. It is not clear how the vigilance will investigate the fundraising that took place in Britain and the Gulf countries. The government gave permission for vigilance preliminary investigation on the complaint of Chalakudy Kathikudam Action Council President Jayson Panikulangara.

The investigation against Satheesan is based on complaints of collecting money from foreign countries, travelling abroad without permission and irregularities in the spending of foreign money in the project implemented to build houses and buy work equipment for those who lost their homes and means of livelihood in the flood.

Meanwhile, vigilance doubts whether the anti-corruption law will stand in the case as there was no loss to the government. The money of private individuals was involved in the project. Those who paid have no complaints. No government money was spent on fundraising. Vigilance cannot investigate crimes such as receiving foreign aid and travelling abroad without permission. The Enforcement Directorate should conduct an investigation in cases where foreign currency regulations are violated.