Wayanad (Kerala), The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has registered a case against Congress legislator I.C. Balakrishnan for alleged corruption in appointments at a local cooperative bank in Sultan Bathery. Officials provided the information.

VACB officials stated on Saturday that the case against the legislator was registered concerning alleged irregularities in appointments at the Sultan Bathery Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank. It is alleged that Balakrishnan accepted a bribe of over six lakh rupees in 2015 to secure an appointment in the bank. VACB initiated a preliminary investigation last December following the suicide of Congress leader N.M. Vijayan.

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In his suicide note, Vijayan had accused Balakrishnan of taking bribes for appointments at the Sultan Bathery Urban Cooperative Bank. VACB officials stated that a case was initially registered at the Sultan Bathery police station regarding this matter and the investigation is ongoing. During the preliminary investigation, VACB had previously questioned the legislator. Officials stated that he is currently the sole accused in the case and will be questioned again during the investigation.

Wayanad

Wayanad is a picturesque hill district in the Indian state of Kerala, renowned for its lush green landscapes, rich biodiversity, and sprawling spice plantations. Historically, the region is significant for its ancient Edakkal Caves, which contain Neolithic petroglyphs dating back over 8,000 years, indicating one of the earliest human settlements in South India. It was also a part of various dynasties, including the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara Empire, before coming under British rule.

Kerala

Kerala is a state on India’s tropical Malabar Coast, historically known for its spice trade and connections with ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. It is renowned for its unique culture, which includes classical art forms like Kathakali, a tradition of matrilineal inheritance, and a landscape of serene backwaters, lush hills, and palm-lined beaches.

Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau is a specialized government agency responsible for investigating and preventing corruption and misconduct within the public sector. Such bureaus were historically established in many countries to promote integrity, ensure accountability in governance, and build public trust. Their work typically involves investigating bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power by public officials.

Sultan Bathery

Sultan Bathery is a town in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India, historically known as Ganapativatom. It gained its current name in the 18th century when Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, used a local Jain temple as a battery for his army. The town is a significant commercial and cultural hub in the region, surrounded by lush forests and ancient ruins.

Sultan Bathery Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank

The Sultan Bathery Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank is a local financial institution in the town of Sultan Bathery, located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It was established to support the region’s agricultural community by providing essential financial services like credit and savings. Its history is rooted in the cooperative movement, which aimed to empower farmers and promote rural development in the area.

Sultan Bathery Urban Cooperative Bank

The Sultan Bathery Urban Cooperative Bank is a financial institution located in the town of Sultan Bathery in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It operates as a cooperative bank, primarily serving the local urban community by providing banking and financial services. Historically, such banks in India were established to promote thrift and provide credit to their members, fostering local economic development.

Sultan Bathery police station

The Sultan Bathery police station in Kerala, India, is a historic building that was originally a Jain temple, believed to have been built in the 13th century. It later served as a storage depot for ammunition (hence the name “Bathery,” from battery) for the forces of Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The structure was converted into a police station during the British colonial era and continues to function as one today.