Kerala Lottery Fund Scandal: Ill-gotten Gains and Arrests

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested two individuals for misappropriating Rs 14 crore from the Kerala State Lottery Agents and Sellers Welfare Fund Board. The arrest pertains to financial fraud committed by altering financial documents and funds manipulation. Investigations are ongoing to find any additional involved parties.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has made significant arrests, detaining Sangeeth K of Attingal and his associate Anilkumar in connection with a huge Rs 14 crore embezzlement from the Kerala State Lottery Agents and Sellers Welfare Fund Board, according to officials.

The arrests emerged from a meticulously investigated case of financial manipulation that spanned six years, from 2014 to 2020, during which Sangeeth, then a deputed Lower Division Clerk at the board, skillfully manipulated cheques, forged officer signatures, and altered official financial records. These fraudulent activities allowed funds to be diverted into personal accounts.

The siphoned funds were allegedly funneled into asset acquisition and real estate ventures. The VACB's ongoing investigation seeks to determine if further parties are implicated and if the illicit activities continued post-Sangeeth's tenure at the board.

(With inputs from agencies.)