The fraudulent scheme promised discounted scooters, appliances, and goods through fake CSR funds, affecting over 5,000 people in Ernakulam and thousands more statewide. Victims included disaster-stricken individuals in Wayanad and members of cooperatives and voluntary organizations.
Published Feb 10, 2025 | 3:41 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 10, 2025 | 5:41 PM
Kerala police arrest 26-year-old for ₹300 crore fraud in Women on Wheels scheme, investigation expands(Creative Commons)
Synopsis: Muvattupuzha Police arrested 26-year-old Ananthu Krishnan for masterminding the fraudulent Women on Wheels scheme, tricking over 1,500 women across Kerala into paying for discounted two-wheelers they never received. The estimated fraud exceeds ₹300 crore. Krishnan promised vehicles at half price, requiring 50 percent upfront payment, with false claims that the balance would be covered through government subsidies and CSR contributions.
Muvattupuzha Police have arrested 26-year-old Ananthu Krishnan from Kudayathoor, Idukki, in connection with a massive fraud involving the fraudulent Women on Wheels scheme.
Krishnan allegedly tricked over 1,500 women across Kerala into paying for discounted two-wheelers that they never received. The total fraud amount is estimated to exceed ₹300 crore.
Krishnan lured victims by promising two-wheelers at half their market price. He required an upfront payment of 50 percent of the vehicle’s cost, assuring customers that the remaining amount would be covered through Central Government subsidies and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contributions from reputed companies.
The women were promised delivery of their vehicles within 45 days of payment. However, many women reported never receiving the vehicles.
As the investigation unfolded, names of political leaders from both BJP and Congress have emerged in connection with the scam.
Congress leader Lali Vincent has been named as the seventh respondent due to her role as the legal advisor of the Seed Society, which is allegedly tied to the fraudulent scheme.
BJP leaders AN Radhakrishnan and J Pramila Devi have also come under suspicion. While police have yet to file charges due to a lack of direct evidence, reports confirm Radhakrishnan’s visits to Krishnan’s flat near the Kochi High Court Junction.
The fraudulent scheme promised heavily discounted scooters, home appliances, and other goods using fictitious CSR funds. The scam has impacted over 5,000 individuals in Ernakulam alone, with thousands more across the state.
Those ‘cheated’ include landslide victims in Wayanad, as well as members of cooperative groups and voluntary organisations.
According to police, over 34 cases have been registered in various police stations, with the majority filed in Idukki and Ernakulam Rural.
The total amount swindled is estimated at ₹37 crore, though unconfirmed reports suggest it could exceed ₹300 crore.
Given the scale and complexity of the case, the investigation has been transferred to the State Crime Branch for a centralised probe.
This move, directed by the State Police Chief and requested by the Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), is aimed at ensuring a thorough investigation across districts.
The Crime Branch is expected to investigate the fraud, which falsely claimed discounts under CSR initiatives from NGOs and charitable organisations.
With multiple petitions from affected districts, the investigation is being handled according to existing guidelines for large-scale financial fraud cases.
Police are preparing further charges against the accused and continue to investigate potential political links to the scheme. Authorities are committed to safeguarding the interests of the victims and ensuring that justice is served.
An SIT has been formed to investigate the scam, comprising officers from the Economic Offence Wing, Crime Branch units, CB Central units, and the Cyber Division.
The SIT will be led by MJ Sojan IPS, SP, CB CU-II, Ernakulam, and supervised by ADGP, Crime Branch H Venkatesh IPS.
Investigation teams have been set up across 14 districts, with 81 officers assigned to probe the statewide scam.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
