Kudumbashree loan fraud: Probe against Kozhikode 'ayalkootams' going on at snail’s pace
Kozhikode: It has been over a month since the loan fraud involving Ayalkootams, neighbourhood groups of Kudumbashree, was exposed in Kozhikode. However, the inquiry into the incident has been going at a snail's pace.
The groups, operating under the guise of Kudumbashree, reportedly deceived the Kerala State Backward Development Corporation (KSBCDC) by falsely claiming to represent the minority section. Though Kudumbashree filed a complaint, no action was taken by the police.
KSBCDC also failed to file a complaint, even though Ayalkootam from the Elathur ward provided false information to obtain loan approval, which is a serious breach of regulations.
The Nanma and Poonjola Ayalkootams of Elathur took a Rs 25.6 lakh loan designated for minorities, disbursed at low-interest rates. To attain the loan, a certain percentage of the group members have to be from the minority community. However, it has been discovered that the three individuals who secured the loan were not actually from the minority group.
The fraudulent activities were exposed when Councilor Manoharan Mangarayil complained to the Mayor, revealing that the group had obtained loans from the Backward Development Corporation by posing as members of the minority community.
Following the discovery of the fraud, the accused returned Rs 23.79 lakhs and the remaining cash in monthly instalments.
Community Development Society (CDS) is the body tasked to approve loan applications from Ayalkootams. After reviewing all the data furnished in the applications, the Kudumbashree official grants final clearance.
Meanwhile, those members of Ayalkootam involved in the fraud are set aside from activities. A Fact Finding committee has been constituted under Kudumbashree District Mission to collect the details regarding the case. The committee is expected to compile a report in the coming weeks. Based on the report, action would be taken against those involved in the fraud.