In a significant development, the Vigilance Director has approved the first chargesheet against SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan in a case involving financial irregularities in disbursing a Rs 10 lakh loan to the Wayanad SNDP Union in 2014. The chargesheet also names SNDP Yogam President M.N. Soman, office-bearers of the Wayanad Union, and government officials as accused individuals. The Vigilance department has invoked the Prevention of Corruption Act, requiring prosecution sanction from the state government before trial proceedings can proceed.
The Kerala High Court recently expressed dissatisfaction over the delayed investigation, criticizing the Investigating Officer for not submitting progress reports despite directives. The case stemmed from a 2016 complaint by former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, alleging misappropriation of funds intended for poor women beneficiaries through fraudulent microfinance schemes. Allegations include the diversion of loans worth crores through fabricated projects, resulting in around Rs 15 crore being misappropriated.
Vigilance authorities have concluded investigations in two other cases involving Vellappally, with ongoing probes in approximately 70 additional cases. The case has garnered political attention due to the stature of the involved individuals and the controversies surrounding microfinance schemes associated with SNDP Yogam. With the approval of the first chargesheet, the investigation enters a critical phase, awaiting the government’s decision on prosecution sanction.
The recent developments coincide with the change in government leadership, as the new V.D. Satheesan administration took office last month. Notably, Natesan, a key figure in the case, has been openly critical of Satheesan, marking a shift from his previous rapport with former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
