The State Crime Branch (CB) probing the alleged corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds scam raided an office of the key accused Ananthu Krishnan at Kadavanthra here on Thursday.

This was the first active move by the 80-member Crime Branch team ever since 34 cases collectively amounting to around ₹37 crore related to the alleged scam were handed over to it on Monday. ADGP Crime Branch is supervising the probe. The cases transferred include 11 each in Idukki and Ernakulam Rural, 8 in Alappuzha, three in Kottayam and one in Kannur town.

The office of Social Bee Ventures, one of the four firms set up by Mr. Krishnan and served as his offices, was the one to be raided. “There were a lot of documents and laptops, which we have seized. Verifying them would take time. Though we have been handed just 34 cases for the time being, a lot more cases are getting registered across the State and would be handed over to us in due course,” said sources.

Judicial custody

The investigation team also held a meeting. The custody of Mr. Krishnan, who now is in judicial custody, will also be sought by the investigation team at a later stage.

Mr. Krishnan allegedly cheated thousands across the State by offering to deliver two-wheelers, laptops, mobile phones, sewing machines and other home appliances at half their price by allegedly accessing the CSR funds of companies. He allegedly set up around 62 societies across all blocks in the State for collecting money.

Thousands of complaints have been lodged in connection with the alleged scam across the State. The aggrieved investors in North Paravur have come together to form an action committee to coordinate their fight for justice.

The scam was unearthed with his arrest by the Muvattupuzha police on January 31 following a petition by a woman. The petition received by the Chief Minister’s office was transferred to the Ernakulam rural police.