Microfinance Fraud Case: Kerala High Court Warns Of Change In Investigating Officer Noting Delay In Completing Probe

The Kerala High Court on Friday (June 20) directed the officer investigating the SNDP microfinance case to complete probe within 3 weeks and observed that in case of failure to do, it would be constrained to consider entrusting another investigating officer.The case relates to the alleged misappropriate of Rs. 15.85 crores of government funds under the Micro Finance Scheme and involves officers of the SNDP Yogam and former Managing Directors of Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation Ltd. (KSBCDC). Justice A. Badharudeen observed:“Therefore, it seems that the Investigating Officer is not properly investigating these crimes, as directed by this Court. Hence, this Court is forced to consider change of the Investigating Officer and entrust the investigation to another Officer having time to investigate these crimes, unless the Investigating Officer is able to complete the investigation and file reports, within a period of three weeks, as submitted by the learned Public Prosecutor.”The Court was considering pleas registered in 2020 seeking appointment of a Special Investigation Team headed by an efficient officer to investigate into the crime registered by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) relating to the SNDP micro finance fraud case.During the pendency of the afore pleas, the Court had granted many extensions to the investigating officers appointed. On May 20, an order was passed directing the investigating officer to complete probe by June 20 and to file reports in all case. Yesterday, when another extension was sought, Justice Badharudeen orally remarked:“I shall order another investigating officer… Don't play mockery on courts. This is my observation… Will change the investigating officer. He might not be able to complete the investigation. He might be under some pressure.” The allegation is that the SNDP officials and KSBCSC MDs colluded to misappropriate government loan of Rs. 15.85 crores that was allotted during 2003 to 2014 under the Microfinance scheme aimed at aiding members of the marginalized communities through the SNDP Yogam.Earlier, Dr. J. Himendranath IPS was appointed as the investigating officer as per the directions of the Court, who was relieved from the duty when he was posted as Superintendent of Police. Thereafter, in 2024, S. Sasidharan IPS, the Superintendent of Police, VACB, Central Range, Ernakulam was entrusted with the investigation. He is also the officer investigating into the Sabarimala Gold Theft case.Case No: WP(C) No. 14599 of 2020 and Crl.MC No. 5539/2020Case Title: M.S. Anil v. State of Kerala and Ors. and connected caseCounsel for the petitioners: D. Anil Kumar & O.V. Maniprasad, Jose Antony, S. Shiv Shankar Click to Read/Download Interim OrderClick to Read/Download Interim Order dated 05.07.2024Click to Read/Download Interim Order dated 29.07.2025Click to Read/Download Interim Order dated 15.09.2025Click to Read/Download Interim Order dated 28.11.2025Click to Read/Download Interim Order dated 30.03.2025Click to Read/Download Interim Order dated 20.05.2025

Microfinance Fraud Case: Kerala High Court Warns Of Change In Investigating Officer Noting Delay In Completing Probe

K. Salma Jennath

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K. Salma Jennath

Microfinance Fraud Case: Kerala High Court Warns Of Change In Investigating Officer Noting Delay In Completing Probe

K. Salma Jennath

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K. Salma Jennath

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