Contract renewals of teachers linked to MDMA case: Vigilance inquiry underway against former SSK official

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has launched a preliminary inquiry into allegations of corruption, administrative irregularities, and the accumulation of disproportionate assets against A.K. Abdul Hakeem, former district project coordinator of Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK), Kozhikode.The probe stems from a formal complaint lodged by Youth Congress leader V.P. Dulkhifil, who appeared before Vigilance officials on Friday (October 23, 2026) to record his statement and furnish details supporting his claims. As part of its preliminary fact-finding exercise, the bureau is scrutinising administrative records and related documents. No formal charges have been registered against Mr. Hakeem thus far.At the core of the controversy is the renewal and continuation in service of three contract teachers — identified as Keerthana, Kavya, and Neeshma — attached to the Perambra Block Resource Centre (BRC) under SSK Kozhikode. The teachers had earlier been arrested in connection with a high-profile MDMA narcotics case.The complainant has alleged that the contractual appointments of the accused teachers were extended arbitrarily by the then district project coordinator, bypassing prescribed procedures and mandatory periodic performance reviews.Furthermore, Mr. Dulkhifil’s petition expands beyond the teacher renewals, alleging broader administrative malpractices within the education initiative. These include potential violations of the Kerala Education Rules and questionable financial dealings linked to private tuition centres in Kozhikode.Vigilance authorities indicated that all aspects of the complaint were currently under verification. The ongoing preliminary inquiry is aimed at assessing whether the material on record is sufficient to warrant a formal, full-fledged investigation. The allegations against the former official remain unproven.Meanwhile, Mr. Hakeem has denied the allegations. He also put forth the argument that the case registered after his retirement from service was part of a political drama. Published - October 24, 2026 11:59 am IST