Kochi, 19 June (H.S.):

The Kerala High Court on Friday came down heavily on the investigation team probing the alleged microfinance scam in which SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan is an accused, expressing strong dissatisfaction over the delay in completing the probe.

The criticism came after the investigating officer sought additional time to submit the final report in the case. Hearing the matter, the court warned that if the report is not filed within three weeks, the present investigating officer, SP S. Sasidharan, would be removed from the investigation and a new officer would be appointed to take over the probe.

Justice A. Badharudeen, who heard the case, observed that despite repeated directions from the court, the investigating officer had failed to submit a progress report on the investigation. The court remarked that the officer appeared to have no time to properly handle the microfinance case and cautioned that the judiciary should not be taken lightly.

“The investigating officer should not make a mockery of the court,” the judge observed, while expressing concern over the prolonged delay in concluding the investigation. The court further noted that there could be external pressure on the investigating officer, leading to the lack of progress in the case.

The case pertains to allegations that funds were fraudulently obtained from the Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation through a microfinance scheme purportedly launched in the names of women beneficiaries. The alleged irregularities involve the sanctioning and utilisation of loans amounting to several crores of rupees.

As part of the investigation, Vellappally Natesan was questioned by the Vigilance Department at his residence in February this year. The probe stems from a complaint filed by veteran Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan in 2016, alleging corruption and financial irregularities in the implementation of the microfinance scheme.

The High Court’s latest observations have put the spotlight back on the long-pending case, with the court making it clear that any further delay in the investigation will not be tolerated. The matter is expected to come up again after the three-week deadline set by the court for the submission of the final report.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman