Anil Akkara seeks transfer of all Vigilance files to CBI in Kerala LIFE Mission case

Former Wadakkanchery MLA and complainant in the LIFE Mission case Anil Akkara has demanded that the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) immediately wind up its investigation into the Wadakkanchery LIFE Mission housing project case and hand over all files, documents and evidence in its possession to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has already filed its chargesheet in the case.Mr. Akkara said he would submit a representation to the Home Minister seeking the transfer of all records to the CBI.“Parallel investigations by multiple agencies into the same case will adversely affect both the efficiency of the investigation and the coordination of legal proceedings. A comprehensive, transparent and effective investigation can be ensured only when all records and evidence are available with a single investigating agency,” he said.Mr. Akkara alleged that despite repeated requests from the CBI, the Vigilance department had not handed over files relating to the case, including records reportedly handled by former Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister M. Sivasankar, which were taken into Vigilance custody during its investigation.He said the transfer of all documents was essential to ensure an unhindered and credible investigation.Thorough probe soughtThe former MLA also called for a thorough investigation into the role of former LIFE Mission office-bearers, including the then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former Minister for Local Self-Government A.C. Moideen, Mr. Sivasankar and former Life Mission Chief Executive Officer U.V. Jose, noting that the LIFE Mission itself has been arrayed as an accused in the CBI chargesheet.“The State government should withdraw its petition pending before the Supreme Court and extend full cooperation to the CBI investigation,” Mr. Akkara said.He urged the government to provide every assistance required by the Central agency, saying it was essential to uphold the rule of law and preserve public confidence in the justice delivery system.The agreementThe LIFE Mission housing project was launched as part of the rehabilitation programme following the devastating 2018 Kerala floods. Under an agreement between the Life Mission and the UAE-based charitable organisation Red Crescent, ₹21 crore was sanctioned for constructing a housing complex and a hospital at Wadakkanchery for flood victims.The construction contract was awarded to Kochi-based Unitac Builders and Sane Ventures, firms owned by businessman Santhosh Eappen. According to the CBI, the award of the contract was tainted by large-scale irregularities.In the chargesheet filed, the CBI has named Santhosh Eappen as the first accused, Sane Ventures as the second accused and Life Mission as the third accused. Gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh, Sandeep Nair and former UAE Consulate Public Relations Officer Sarith have also been named as accused.The CBI is continuing its investigation into the alleged role of Mr. Sivasankar and Mr. Jose. Published - July 30, 2026 07:05 pm IST