Kerala vigilance recommends CBI probe against LoP Satheesan over FCRA violation

The Kerala VACB has recommended a CBI probe against Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, VD Satheesan, over alleged irregularities in the collection of funds from abroad for a rehabilitation project titled ‘Punarjani’, said officials on Saturday. The vigilance report containing the recommendation has been submitted to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, they said.

According to the report, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has sought a CBI investigation, citing alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

It is alleged that Satheesan had travelled abroad after obtaining permission from the central Government for a private visit and collected funds overseas, which were later transferred to accounts in Kerala.

The report recommends a CBI probe under Section 3(2)(a) of the FCRA Act, 2010, which prohibits any person residing in India or any Indian citizen residing abroad from accepting foreign contributions on behalf of a political party, sources said.

It has also recommended that the Assembly Speaker initiate action against Satheesan under Rule 41 of Appendix II of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, citing alleged legal violations committed in his capacity as a legislator.

As per the findings of the VACB, funds were mobilised from abroad by forming a foundation named Manappattu Foundation for the ‘Punarjani’ project.

The report said GBP 22,500 (around Rs 19.95 lakh) was collected from various individuals in the UK and transferred to the foundation’s account.

The money was allegedly routed to the foundation’s FCRA account through a UK-based NGO, Midland International Aid Trust (MIAT), the VACB said.

The vigilance department has also examined a video in which Satheesan was allegedly seen requesting participants at an event in the UK to contribute GBP 500 each for purchasing weaving machines as part of the rehabilitation of flood-affected women, sources added.

Reacting to the development, Satheesan said he would fight the matter both personally and politically.

He said he had no objection to a CBI probe and was confident the case would not stand legal scrutiny.

“I do not need any special consideration or favour. I am confident that the case will not stand legally. If the intention is to file a case against me when elections are around the corner, I will face it politically and legally,” he told reporters in Wayanad.

He said the vigilance had earlier dropped the case after a detailed probe, claiming that investigators could not find any evidence against him. “There are several reports submitted by investigating officers. What they told me during the probe is something I still hold with pride,” he added.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders rallied behind Satheesan and strongly criticised the Government’s move to recommend a CBI probe, alleging it was politically motivated ahead of the Assembly elections.

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal termed the move a “political gimmick” by the CPI(M)-led Government, while KPCC president Sunny Joseph said it was a futile exercise as the Vigilance had earlier found nothing against Satheesan.

Senior Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan, Benny Behanan and Shanimol Usman also criticised the Pinarayi Vijayan Government over the Vigilance recommendation.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) State secretary M V Govindan earlier in the day said it was for the State Government to take a call on the vigilance recommendation.

He said the CPI(M) has a clear stand on the functioning of central agencies and noted that the allegation pertained to the alleged mobilisation of foreign funds.

“The Government will take whatever action is legally permissible in the matter,” he said.

State Law Minister P Rajeeve said he could not comment further on the issue in his capacity as a minister. He said the recommendation, if any, would be examined by the law department before a decision is taken.

“The LDF Government always adopts a stand after examining all legal aspects. No official reaction can be made at this moment,” he said.