Kerala HC warns against changing investigating officer in microfinance scam case

The Kerala High Court said it may have to consider changing the investigating officer in the Special Vigilance Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged ₹15.85 crore microfinance scam involving Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yoga General Secretary Vellapally Natesan.

Earlier, Justice A. Badharudeen directed S. Sasidharan, Superintendent of Police, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to complete the investigation by June 20, 2026 and submit the inquiry report.

On Friday (June 19, 2026), the court found that the police officer did not properly investigate the alleged offenses and repeatedly sought more time to complete the investigation. She said the investigation would have to be handed over to another officer if it was not completed within three weeks.

The case, which was first registered in 2016, relates to the alleged misappropriation of government loans disbursed through SNDP Yogam between 2003 and 2014 under a microfinance scheme meant to benefit members of marginalized communities in Kerala. The petitioner, MS Anil of Cherthala, sought a thorough investigation into the matter, following which an SIT headed by Mr. Sasidharan was assigned in November 2024.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 01:21 IST