The special investigation team (SIT) inquiring into the alleged ₹15.85-crore microfinance scam involving Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan has filed final reports in 17 cases.
Mr. Sasidharan clarified that it had been decided to file a consolidated final report on all the cases in which no irregularity was detected. He further informed the court that the investigation had disclosed specific instances of misappropriation of funds intended for eligible beneficiaries in the Pulappally, Ranni, Mananthavady, Kunnathunadu, Kanayannur, Chittoor and Taliparamba unions. Steps to prosecute the offenders were being taken in these cases, he told the court.
The report was filed on a petition by M.S. Anil of Cherthala, seeking an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds by Mr. Natesan, N. Soman, K.K. Mahesan and former managing directors of the Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation, Najeeb and Dileep Kumar.
The allegation was that the accused had misappropriated funds intended for the welfare of backward communities under the microfinance programme through the SNDP Yogam, submitting false utilisation certificates in the names of fictitious self-help groups between 2003 and 2014.
Previously, the petitioner had contended that there was an inordinate delay in the investigation and had sought the appointment of a new officer. The investigation had been entrusted to a team led by Mr. Sasidharan in November 2024. The court will consider the matter on Tuesday (August 11).
