Kochi Police File FIR Against BJP Leader in Half-Price Vehicle Scam
Thrikkakara Police in Kochi have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader A N Radhakrishnan and three other individuals associated with the party. The legal action was taken on Thursday in connection with a fraudulent scheme commonly referred to as the half-price scam. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into financial fraud cases across the state.
Complaint Details and Accused Individuals
The FIR was filed based on a formal complaint submitted by a 50-year-old woman residing in North Paravur. According to police documents, the accused individuals exploited her trust by promising substantial discounts on vehicles through what they claimed was a legitimate government-backed initiative.
The accused named in the FIR include:
- A N Radhakrishnan, a prominent BJP leader
- Rupesh Menon, a party associate
- Sumesh, another individual linked to the party
- K T Bineesh, also named as an accused
How the Fraudulent Scheme Operated
According to the detailed FIR, the accused approached the victim with an enticing offer. They informed her that she could purchase a two-wheeler at a remarkable 50% discount under what they described as a special women's empowerment scheme operated by the National NGO Confederation. To lend credibility to their claims, the accused further stated that an organization called the Society for Integrated Growth of the Nation had specifically assigned them the task of implementing this project.
The accused presented themselves as official coordinators of these organizations, using their political affiliations and supposed connections to government programs to establish trust with potential victims.
Financial Loss and Legal Action
On May 9, 2024, the victim transferred Rs 63,500 to the accused based on their promises of delivering the discounted vehicle. However, after receiving the payment, the accused neither provided the promised two-wheeler nor returned the money to the complainant. Following her formal complaint, Thrikkakara Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter.
Broader Pattern of Similar Frauds
This case is not isolated. Police authorities have confirmed that several similar complaints relating to the half-price scam have been registered at various police stations across Kerala. The modus operandi appears consistent: perpetrators pose as representatives of legitimate-sounding organizations offering substantial discounts on vehicles or other high-value items, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals with promises of government schemes or empowerment programs.
The registration of an FIR against a political figure adds a significant dimension to these cases, potentially indicating organized fraudulent activities exploiting political credibility. Investigators are now examining whether there are connections between this case and other reported incidents of similar fraud across the state.
