Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau on Wednesday conducted surprise inspections at the headquarters of the Kerala State Sports Council and district sports council offices across the state as part of an investigation into alleged financial and administrative irregularities.
The inspections, carried out under ‘Operation Kalikkalam’, were initiated following complaints concerning the functioning and financial transactions of the Sports Council. The operation is part of the Vigilance bureau’s wider Project Zero initiative aimed at identifying corruption and irregularities in government institutions.
According to reports, the investigation is examining transactions and activities of the Sports Council over the past 10 years. Officials are looking into allegations related to the selection of athletes, participation of allegedly ineligible competitors and manipulation of competition results.
The Vigilance is also examining complaints concerning the purchase and distribution of sports equipment. Allegations include sports kits purchased for athletes being kept in storage instead of being distributed, along with possible violations of procurement procedures and irregularities in stock management.
Other areas under scrutiny reportedly include food supplies, stipends, hostel management, training funds and expenses connected with sports programmes. Investigators are also examining allegations concerning government funds allocated for various schemes and training centres.
Vigilance teams conducted inspections simultaneously at multiple district offices. Documents and records collected during the inspections will be examined, with district-level reports expected to be submitted following the verification process.
Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham said that further action, including registration of a formal case if warranted by the findings, would be considered after the inspection and examination of the available records.
The investigation is currently at the inspection and verification stage, and the allegations under examination have not yet been established as wrongdoing. Further action will depend on the evidence gathered by the Vigilance bureau.
