THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government suspended the present administration of Red Cross Society-Kerala Chapter and brought it under the control of Thiruvananthapuram district collector Biju Prabhakar on Saturday. The vigilance has also intensified probe against its former chief Sunil C. Cherian.
The scrutiny of bank accounts had revealed massive siphoning of funds given by various organisations and governments for philanthropic activities. The action followed a probe by Ayush department secretary on the irregularities, nepotism and corruption charges raised against Mr Cherian and his associate Chempazhanthy Anil. Initial assessment until Saturday revealed that several lakhs of rupees were illegally withdrawn from Rs 3 crore contributions by people for philanthropic activities.
Several tributary organisations run by relatives of Mr Cherian were linked to societies, and the funds they collected are being scrutinised. “Sports Utility Vehicles donated by people like Bobby Chemmanur were sold, and the proceeds siphoned off. Further, five new SUVs were taken on loan from Federal Bank, on behalf of the organisation,” a top official said.
“Also, around ten people were posted illegally to the Red Cross societies on donation. A few years back, their salaries were illegally raised from around Rs 5000 to over Rs 30,000 causing a blow to the public exchequer.” Several vigilance cases pending against the accused since past two years will now be seriously scrutinised, sources said.
