The Crime Branch (CB) probing the alleged CSR funds scam in Kerala recorded Congress leader Laly Vincent’s detailed statement at its office at Thripunithura on Wednesday.
Ms. Vincent has been named in eight FIRs registered by the Kannur police related to the scam.
Emerging from the office after several hours, Ms. Vincent told a television channel that she was not summoned for interrogation but had requested the CB that she be heard.
She claimed to have given a factual account and said it was “part of moving legally to clear her name.”
However, CB sources said the veracity of her statements would be checked. So far, over 600 cases related to the alleged scam have been transferred to the CB with even more cases set to be transferred.
According to the police, the alleged scam involved cheating and misappropriation of money by offering laptops, two-wheelers, and home appliances at half price claiming that the discount was part of the CSR activities of various NGOs and charitable organisations. Initially, hundreds of cases were registered in police stations across Kerala.
Later, Kerala’s State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb issued a circular on February 10, 2025, transferring the investigation to the State Crime Branch. Initially, 34 cases accounting for ₹37 crore registered by the Idukki, Ernakulam Rural, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Kannur Town police were transferred to the CB.
The Enforcement Directorate also registered a case with regard to the scam and conducted raids across the State.
Published – April 10, 2025 10:00 am IST