Authorities in Cherthala have initiated legal action against M.M. Saju, a councillor representing Ward 25 of the Cherthala Municipality. He stands accused of illegally diverting food coupons intended for some of the community’s most vulnerable families.
The municipal secretary formally lodged a complaint, alleging that Councillor Saju misappropriated coupons valued at ₹22,000. These coupons were part of a crucial government welfare program designed to provide essential groceries to identified beneficiaries.
This vital scheme, launched by the State government in December 2023, offered monthly food coupons worth ₹500 to families struggling with extreme poverty. These coupons were redeemable at Supplyco outlets for various grocery items, excluding rice. Councillors in each ward were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring these coupons reached the eligible households.
In Ward 25, three families were officially designated as beneficiaries. However, a recent verification revealed a troubling discrepancy: one of these families had not received any coupons whatsoever. Further investigation by the secretary uncovered that two out of the three designated families had been deprived of their monthly coupons, despite official records indicating that the councillor had indeed collected them.
In response to these serious allegations, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) organized a protest, calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged misuse of public welfare resources. As a gesture of support, the DYFI also provided food kits to the affected families. Police officials have confirmed the registration of a case and stated that Councillor Saju’s official statement will be recorded in the coming days as part of the ongoing inquiry.