Thiruvananthapuram: Vigilance and anti-corruption bureau launched inspections at Kerala State Sports Council headquarters and all district sports council offices to detect alleged corruption and irregularities.The inspection, code-named ‘Operation Kalikkalam’, began at 10.30am on Wednesday on the instructions of vigilance director Manoj Abraham. The operation is part of the bureau’s ‘project zero’ initiative aimed at identifying and preventing corruption in govt institutions through proactive vigilance measures.The vigilance said it had received information about alleged irregularities in the selection of sportspersons, including inclusion of ineligible athletes in championships, manipulation of marks, preparation of fake competition results and influencing judges and observers to provide undue benefits to ineligible participants.The bureau had also received complaints about the collection of excessive entry or registration fees in the name of competitions and failure to properly maintain accounts and receipts.The vigilance is also examining alleged irregularities in the purchase of sports equipment and other materials using govt funds, including violations of procurement rules, manipulation of records, unnecessary purchase and storage of equipment, and alleged diversion or unauthorised sale of sports equipment.The vigilance is also looking into alleged misuse of food expenses, mess allowances and training funds at sports academies, hostels and training centres. Other allegations include claiming funds in the name of non-functional training centres and diverting funds sanctioned for govt schemes for other purposes.The bureau said the inspections were being conducted based on the information received regarding alleged corruption and irregularities in the functioning of sports councils across the state.Vigilance director Manoj Abraham urged public to report information regarding corruption to the bureau’s toll-free number 1064, telephone number 8592900900 or WhatsApp number 9447789100.
