Kerala CSR fund scam unravels: FIR against senior BJP leader, probe widens into multi-crore fraud

A major cheating racket that allegedly misused the name of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to lure people with promises of scooters, laptops and other goods at half price has come under the scanner in Kerala, with police registering an FIR against four persons , including senior BJP leader A N Radhakrishnan .

The Thrikkakara police filed the case after a woman complained that she paid ₹63,500 in May 2024 for a scooter under the so-called half price CSR scheme but never received the vehicle. According to her complaint, the money was handed over to representatives of an NGO named Society for Integrated Growth of the Nation (SIGN) , which allegedly promoted the offer.

Based on her statement, Radhakrishnan, a BJP state vice president , was also named in the FIR as he was allegedly associated with the NGO. However, police said the initial investigation has not found any direct money trail linking funds to him. Officers clarified that his inclusion is based on the complainant’s claim and that the probe is continuing to establish individual roles.

The case has been registered under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) , 420 (cheating) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC.

Investigators say the scam is not limited to a single complaint. Similar cases have surfaced across the state, with thousands of people allegedly cheated through the same model. Victims were told that companies would use CSR money to cover half the cost of consumer goods, while beneficiaries needed to pay the remaining share. After collecting payments, the organisers allegedly failed to deliver the promised items.

CSR funds are legally mandated contributions that profitable companies must spend on education, healthcare, community development, and other welfare projects (as per Companies Act 2013 ). Police say the accused exploited the credibility of these genuine welfare initiatives to win public trust and collect money.

Authorities suspect the fraud could involve several crores of rupees . A wider probe has been launched to trace the money trail, freeze bank accounts and identify others involved , with multiple complaints now being examined across districts.

Radhakrishnan has not yet publicly commented on the FIR. Police said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.