
Fri Feb 06 08:24:59 UTC 2026: ### BJP Leader Booked in Kerala CSR Fund Scam Amidst Ongoing Investigation
The Story:
Senior BJP leader A.N. Radhakrishnan has been implicated in a half-price or CSR fund scam in Kerala, with the Thrikkakara police in Kochi registering a case against him and three others. The case stems from a complaint filed by a 50-year-old woman alleging she was cheated out of ₹63,500 after being promised a discounted scooter through the Society For Integrated Growth Of The Nation (SIGN). This is not the first time Radhakrishnan’s name has surfaced in connection with the scam, which has already seen over 1,600 cases registered across the state.
The scam involves allegedly deceiving people by promising scooters, laptops, and sewing machines at half price using CSR funds. While Radhakrishnan has previously denied involvement, claiming SIGN was itself a victim, the police have named him based on the complainant’s statement alleging his association with the NGO. The investigation into the broader scam, involving the National NGO Confederation, is ongoing, with the Crime Branch yet to file chargesheets despite earlier plans to do so by October 2025.
Key Points:
- A.N. Radhakrishnan, a senior BJP leader, has been booked in connection with the Kerala CSR fund scam.
- The case involves alleged cheating related to promises of discounted scooters, laptops, and sewing machines.
- The complainant alleges losing ₹63,500 to SIGN, an NGO implementing a women empowerment program.
- Radhakrishnan previously denied involvement, claiming SIGN was a victim of the scam.
- Over 1,600 cases related to the scam have already been registered in Kerala.
- The Crime Branch investigation is ongoing, with chargesheets yet to be filed.
Key Takeaways:
- The CSR fund scam continues to plague Kerala, affecting vulnerable populations.
- The involvement of a senior BJP leader adds a political dimension to the scandal.
- The slow pace of the Crime Branch investigation raises concerns about accountability.
- The BUDS Act, 2019, was invoked, highlighting the unauthorized nature of fund collection.