‘CSR funds’ scam in Kerala: BJP leader A.N. Radhakrishnan denies involvement of his Kochi-based organisation

BJP Kerala VP denies involvement in alleged 'CSR funds' scam; key accused arrested, investigation ongoing.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala State vice-president A.N. Radhakrishnan has denied the Kochi-based Society for Integrated Growth of the Nation (SIGN), a 12-year-old organisation engaged in social activities, of which he is the chairman, to be in any way linked to the alleged ‘CSR funds’ scam based on which numerous cases have been registered across Kerala.

The key accused, Anandu Krishnan, 26, of Idukki, allegedly cheated people by offering two-wheelers, laptops, mobile phones, home appliances and so on at half the price under the aegis of an organisation titled NGO Federation and through seed societies formed in tie-up with various voluntary organisations by claiming to have access to the CSR funds of many large companies.

“SIGN is not a member of the NGO Federation but a mere implementing agency. We are also a victim of the scam, just like 200-odd reputed organisations across the State engaged in social welfare activities that were associated with the initiative. We have handed over the money collected from those who booked the two-wheelers with us to the federation. We have provided two-wheelers to many, but, after a point, the initiative got stalled and we were told that it was on account of the delay in receiving the CSR funds. We have been returning money to those who had booked the two-wheelers with us over the last few days,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said during a press conference in Kochi on Thursday (February 6, 2025).

He said he was introduced to the scheme by K.N. Anandakumar, founder and executive director of Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust, Kerala, known for his philanthropic activities. He cited how certain ministers, mediapersons, politicians and police officers had associated with the scheme “in good faith.” He said the organisation would take legal recourse to recover the money SIGN paid to the federation.

Meanwhile, the police have received five days’ custody of Anandu.

He was arrested by the Muvattupuzha police on January 31 following a case forwarded to the Ernakulam Rural police from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The Economics Offences Wing of the Crime Branch is likely to take over the investigation in the alleged scam.