Kochi, 23 June (HS) :The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has initiated a preliminary inquiry against former Kunnathunad MLA and CPM leader P.V. Sreenijin over allegations of financial irregularities in an educational project implemented in his constituency.

The inquiry follows a complaint filed by Youth Congress leader Jaisal Jabbar, who alleged that irregularities amounting to ₹1.90 crore occurred in the implementation of the project titled “Slate”, which was introduced in government and aided schools across the Kunnathunad Assembly constituency.

According to the complaint, the project was funded through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The programme was implemented by St. Teresa’s Welfare Society and was aimed at supporting educational development in schools within the constituency.

The complainant has alleged that BPCL released a total of ₹1.90 crore in two phases for the project. The first phase was launched during the 2023-24 academic year, with funds reportedly allocated for various educational activities and infrastructure-related initiatives in participating schools.

Jaisal Jabbar contends that serious irregularities occurred in the utilisation of the CSR funds and has sought a detailed investigation into the expenditure and implementation of the scheme. Based on the complaint, the Vigilance Department has begun a preliminary verification to ascertain whether any financial misconduct or procedural violations took place.

The complaint was originally submitted during the final months of the previous state government. After examining the petition, vigilance authorities decided to initiate a preliminary inquiry before determining whether a full-fledged investigation is warranted.

Officials have not yet disclosed the specific nature of the alleged irregularities or whether any individuals have been named as accused at this stage. The preliminary inquiry is expected to examine financial records, fund utilisation details and the execution of the project by the implementing agency.

Neither P.V. Sreenijin nor representatives of St. Teresa’s Welfare Society have publicly responded to the allegations so far. The findings of the vigilance inquiry will determine the future course of action in the case.

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman