Crime Branch SPs Take Charge of CSR Funds Scam as SIT Lacks Leadership

Speedy Summary

• The Kerala government has not replaced M.J. Sojan, the SP who previously led the Special Inquiry Team (SIT) investigating a CSR funds scam.
• M.J. Sojan was transferred in June 2025,leaving the SIT headless; though,district-level Crime Branch superintendents will now lead local probes into specific cases.
• The CSR funds scam involved promises of scooters, laptops, and sewing machines at half price using fake corporate social duty (CSR) schemes.
• Key accused Ananthu Krishnan and K.N. Ananda Kumar were arrested and are in custody; no dissolution of SIT has been communicated.
• 1,343 related cases have been registered as of March 12, 2025:

– ₹281.43 crore collected from 49,386 people for scooters: only 16,438 received them.
– ₹9.22 crore collected from 36,891 people for laptops: just 29,897 received them.
– ₹23.24 crore collected from 56,082 people for sewing machines: provided to only 53,478 persons.

• The accused leveraged public trust by showcasing photos with well-known personalities and distributing items initially.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Kerala government’s decision not to appoint a new head for the SIT raises concerns about maintaining centralized oversight over such a large and sensitive investigation involving thousands of victims across multiple districts. While officials claim that moast major investigative procedures have been concluded and respective district units will handle subsequent proceedings effectively under supervision by current team members, victims’ apprehensions are understandable due to fears over lack of coordination or dilution in focus.

The extent of financial fraud-totaling over ₹313 crore-and strategic targeting through fake promises highlights potential gaps in regulatory vigilance over fraudulent schemes falsely claiming CSR affiliations. This case underscores the critical need for robust public education campaigns about such scams while demanding accountability through swift legal redress mechanisms to restore faith among affected citizens.

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