The Kerala High Court on Wednesday granted a final one-month extension to the investigating officer to complete the probe into the alleged microfinance fraud case involving SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan and others. Setting June 20 as the deadline for completing the investigation and filing the chargesheet, the bench of Justice A Badharudeen expressed displeasure over the inordinate delay despite repeated directives from the High Court.
Background of the Case
The court was considering a petition filed in 2020 by M S Anil of Cherthala, seeking a thorough and effective vigilance investigation in the case by a special team led by an honest and efficient officer. The High Court further directed the investigating officer to take the directive seriously and comply with it to avoid any adverse orders.
The case, originally registered in 2016, pertains to the alleged misappropriation of Rs 15.85 crore in government loans disbursed in eight instances between 2003 and 2014 under a microfinance scheme intended to benefit members of marginalized communities through the SNDP Yogam. The allegations include collusion between SNDP Yogam officials and former managing directors of the Kerala State Backwards Classes Development Corporation.
Investigation Details
As many as 124 cases have been registered in connection with the matter. The investigation had been entrusted to S Sasidharan, the superintendent of police who is also the probe officer in the Sabarimala gold heist case. Although it was contended that Sasidharan's involvement in the Sabarimala probe had contributed to the delay in the microfinance case, the High Court had earlier asserted that the investigation in the microfinance case could not be stalled for any reason.
Court's Observations
During the hearing on Wednesday, the High Court orally expressed concern over the delay in investigation. "Everyone knows the reason for the delay... The name of the respondent itself explains the delay," the court orally observed. The bench made it clear that no further extensions would be granted and directed the investigating officer to complete the probe within the stipulated time frame.
The court's strong remarks underscore its dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation and the repeated failures to meet deadlines. The final extension is aimed at ensuring that the case reaches a conclusive stage without further procrastination.
