Kerala half-price scheme fraud case: Crime Branch arrest Anandakumar

Thiruvananthapuram: K.N. Anandakumar,  Founder and Executive Director of Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust, has been arrested by the police in connection with the half-price scheme fraud case. The arrest was made based on a case registered against him in Ernakulam district. 

After the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court rejected his anticipatory bail petition, the Crime Branch took  Anandakumar into custody from his residence. Although he had claimed to be undergoing treatment, he was transferred to the hospital for a medical examination. However, doctors confirmed there were no obstacles to his arrest, following which his arrest was recorded.

Anandakumar had filed an anticipatory bail petition in the case registered by the Kannur City Police against him. The petition was heard on Monday by the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court. Several cases and complaints are also pending against him in Thiruvananthapuram.

A special investigation team led by Ernakulam Central Crime Branch SP M.J. Sojan was appointed in connection with the investigation into the half-price scheme fraud case. After consulting with the investigating officers, a decision was made to arrest him in the case registered in Ernakulam district.

While arguing his anticipatory bail plea, Kumar claimed he had no involvement in the half-price scheme scam. He claimed that the money was directed to the trust and he had not taken any amount personally. However, the police argued that Anandakumar had prior knowledge of the scam. 

Anandakumar’s anticipatory bail petition was rejected four times due to the failure of the police to submit their report. The petition was considered by the court only after the police report was submitted. The arrest was made by the Crime Branch DySP based on a complaint filed by Siji, a resident of Muvattupuzha. Currently, there are 37 cases against Anandakumar.