THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sai Gramam Executive Director K.N. Anandakumar was arrested in the half price scam that shook the state. The arrest was registered on a complaint filed by Muvattupuzha Seed Society Secretary Riji Varghese. Anandakumar was admitted to the ICU of a private hospital in Murinjapalam after feeling unwell while in police custody. Anandakumar is currently monitored by doctors in the cardiology department. The Crime Branch took him into custody after the Thiruvananthapuram District Principal Sessions Court rejected his anticipatory bail application.

Anandakumar had argued that the money received in the half price scam was for the trust, and he had no personal involvement in it. The case, which had been postponed five times due to delays in receiving the police report, was finally heard in court yesterday. The police maintain that Anandakumar had clear knowledge of the fraudulent activity.

Anandakumar's anticipatory bail petition named Kannur SP as the opposing party in the case, which was filed by the Kannur Town Police following a complaint from A. Mohanan, the secretary of the Kannur Seed Society. Anandakumar is the second accused, while Ananthu Krishnan is the first. Seven individuals are named in total, facing charges of breach of trust and fraud.

The complaint alleges that the accused embezzled Rs 2.96 crore by promising members of the Seed Society two-wheelers at half price. Other accused in the case include Dr. Beena Sebastian, Sheeba Suresh, Suma K.P., Indira, and Congress leader Laly Vincent.