CM relief fund scam: VACB unearths large-scale irregularities across Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: The vigilance and anti-corruption bureau (VACB) continues to unearth large-scale irregularities in the disbursal of Kerala Chief Minister’s disaster relief fund (CMDRF). 

Earlier this week, VACB raids in state collectorates unveiled massive corruption and swindling of money through CMDRF. 

Following this, officials launched  “Operation CMDRF,” a mission to examine applications received as part of the relief fund. On Friday, VACB officials uncovered numerous cases of cheating and fund diversion from different parts of the state. 

In Thiruvananthapuram, a Karode native acted as a middleman to facilitate the disbursal of the fund to around 20 people. A Maranalloor native received relief funds for heart-related ailments despite spending only a day at the hospital for appendicitis treatment.

Further, six applications were filed in the Varkala Taluk office using the contact detail of a single agent. In Kollam district, Rs 4 lakh was given to an applicant whose house was severely damaged in a natural disaster. However, VACB officials found his house in good condition. 

In Kollam, funds were also allocated for applications despite lacking the necessary documentation. 

A raid at Koodal Village Office in Pathanamthitta revealed that 268 applications --filed between 2018-2022-- have similar contact details. In Enadimangalam village, a single phone number is used for 61 applications filed here. 

Meanwhile, in Alappuzha, 10 of the 14 applications contain the medical certificate issued by the same doctor. In Alathur village, 54 of the 78 applications include the medical certificate issued by doctors of a private Ayurveda hospital.