Vigilance raids Kerala sports council offices in 'Operation Kalikkalam'

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) carried out surprise inspections across the Kerala State Sports Council and district sports council offices on Wednesday, acting on information about suspected corruption and procedural lapses in the way the bodies function.

The operation, code-named 'Operation Kalikkalam', was ordered by Vigilance director Manoj Abraham after the agency gathered inputs pointing to irregularities in the working of the sports councils.

According to official sources, the VACB received tip-offs about suspected violations in the selection of sportspersons and their inclusion in championships. The allegations include manipulation of marks during selection, preparation of fake competition results and attempts to influence judges and observers so that ineligible candidates could secure benefits.

The agency has also received information about allegedly excessive collection of entry and registration fees in the name of competitions, without proper maintenance of accounts and receipts.

Procurement of sports equipment and other materials using government funds is another area under examination. The line of inquiry stems from information about violations of prescribed procedures, manipulation of stock records, purchase and storage of materials without an actual requirement, and the diversion or unauthorised sale of sports equipment.

The inspection, conducted as part of the VACB's Project Zero, which aims at a corruption-free Keralam through proactive vigilance measures, also covers the utilisation of resources at sports academies, hostels and training centres.

The agency said it had received information about alleged irregularities and misuse in the utilisation of food supplies, mess allowances and training funds. Complaints also point to funds being obtained in the name of non-functioning training centres and money sanctioned for government schemes being diverted for other purposes.