Teacher contract extension in connection with MDMA case: Vigilance investigation underway against former SSK official

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has initiated a preliminary investigation into allegations of corruption, administrative irregularities and accumulation of disproportionate assets against AK Abdul Hakeem, former district coordinator of Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK), Kozhikode.

The investigation stems from a formal complaint filed by Youth Congress leader VP Dulkhifil, who appeared before Vigilance officials on Friday (October 23, 2026) to record his statement and provide details supporting his claim. As part of its preliminary fact-finding, the office examines administrative records and related documents. No formal charges have yet been registered against Mr. Hakeem.

At the heart of the dispute is the reinstatement and continuation of service of three contract teachers — identified as Keerthana, Kavya and Neeshma — attached to the Perambra Block Resource Center (BRC) under SSK Kozhikode. The teachers were previously arrested in connection with a high-profile MDMA narcotic case.

The complainant alleged that the then district coordinator of the project arbitrarily extended the contractual appointments of the accused teachers, thereby circumventing prescribed procedures and mandatory periodic performance reviews.

In addition, Mr. Dulkhifil’s petition goes beyond teacher reinstatement options and alleges broader administrative misconduct in the education initiative. These include potential violations of the Kerala Education Rules and questionable financial transactions linked to private coaching centers in Kozhikode.

Vigilance authorities said all aspects of the complaint are currently being verified. The ongoing preliminary investigation is aimed at assessing whether the material recorded is sufficient to warrant a formal, full investigation. The charges against the former official remain unproven.

Meanwhile, Mr Hakeem has denied the allegations. He also raised the argument that the case registered after he left the service was part of a political drama.

Published – 24 Oct 2026 11:59 IST