The Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Laly Vincent in the CSR fund scam, where over Rs 1,000 crore was allegedly swindled, citing her professional association as a lawyer.
Kerala: The Kerala High Court on Monday (Feb 24th) granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader and lawyer Laly Vincent in connection with the CSR fund scam case. The case involves allegations that crores of rupees were swindled by the prime accused, Ananthu Krishnan, who promised women two-wheelers at half the price, claiming that the remaining cost would be covered by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from various companies.
Laly Vincent has been implicated as the 7th accused after police found that certain payments were made to her by Krishnan. However, Justice PV Kunhikrishnan granted her anticipatory bail, considering her argument that her association with Krishnan was strictly professional as a lawyer.
The Court noted:
I can’t say that a lawyer can only take this much amount as their professional fee. I’m not in a position to conclude that the petitioner has any involvement in the case at this stage, but I make it clear that the investigating officer shall investigate the matter in accordance with law.”
The scam was allegedly orchestrated by Ananthu Krishnan, who set up the ‘Muvattupuzha Socio-Economic Development Society’ and multiple seed societies across Kerala. The scheme targeted women, promising them two-wheelers, laptops, and sewing machines at half price under a CSR initiative.
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However, after collecting vast sums from the public, no goods were delivered, leading to multiple cases across Kerala. Authorities estimate that the fraud amount exceeds Rs 1,000 crore.
- The case was registered at Kannur Town South Police Station.
- Vincent was booked under Sections 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) and 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- She denied any wrongdoing, stating that any payments received were legal fees for services provided over four years.
- Her counsel argued that her inclusion in the case was politically motivated to tarnish her reputation.
- The prosecution alleged that she received approximately Rs 50 lakh from Krishnan, warranting further investigation.
The Court directed Vincent to appear before the investigating officer within two weeks. It also emphasized that its observations were only for the bail decision and should not impact the ongoing investigation.
Vincent was represented by advocates S Rajeev, V Vinay, MS Aneer, Sarath KP, KS Kiran Krishnan, Anilkumar CR, and Dipa V.
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