Congress Councillor Booked in Non-Bailable Case for Misappropriating Food Coupons for the Extremely Poor

Alappuzha: Police have registered a case against Congress 25th Division Ward Councillor M. A. Saju of Cherthala Municipality for allegedly misappropriating food coupons distributed under the Extreme Poverty Eradication Projec. The case, filed on Wednesday under non-bailable sections, charges Saju under BNS Sections 316(3), 316(5), and 318(4). If convicted, he could face up to 19 years of imprisonment.

According to the complaint and municipal records, Saju collected food coupons meant for beneficiaries by signing for them. The coupons belonged to C. V. Anandakumar and another elderly woman from the same ward, each allowing beneficiaries to purchase food grains worth Rs 500 per month from Supplyco outlets. Investigations revealed that Saju misappropriated 44 months’ worth of food kit coupons, valued at Rs 22,000, between December 2023 and September 2025. Preliminary inquiries confirmed that he had taken possession of these coupons, and statements were recorded from both victims and municipal officials before formally registering the case.

The preliminary investigation report will be submitted to senior officials through the DYSP on Monday. Further action, including a potential vigilance inquiry, will follow. As this involves the misuse of government benefits by a public representative, the matter has been referred to vigilance authorities.
Anandakumar

Speaking to the media, Anandakumar said, “I realized I had not received the coupons only when government officials visited my house. Municipal investigations confirmed that the councillor had taken coupons issued from December 2023 until last month.” He alleged that Saju, along with other Congress leaders who visited recently, falsely claimed that the coupons had been received by someone else. Anandakumar, who has lived alone for the past four years following his mother’s death, added that Saju had never assisted him and ignored his requests for pension support over the past year.

Under the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project, Anandakumar has received three cents of land and a house under construction in Cherthala town. He has also been provided with support to earn a livelihood through selling lottery tickets. Four years ago, illness left him homebound, limiting his movement and daily activities.