Politics · India Bureau
Kerala orders vigilance probe into KIIFB land acquisition in Kannur
The Kerala government has authorized a formal investigation into procedural irregularities surrounding land acquisitions by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board in Kannur. The probe follows a Cabinet-approved recommendation based on concerns over due diligence and compliance with land acquisition laws.
LSN India ·
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has been ordered to investigate the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board's land acquisition process for industrial development zones in Kannur district, marking a significant step in addressing long-standing compliance concerns.
The directive came after the Cabinet approved recommendations from a preliminary panel report that flagged multiple procedural lapses in the acquisition of approximately 4,896 acres purchased for ₹12,240 crore. The report raised questions about the adequacy of due diligence measures and adherence to the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act during the transaction.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation will examine whether proper protocols were followed in site selection, valuation procedures, and stakeholder consultation processes. The scale of the land acquisition—one of the largest industrial infrastructure projects in the state—has drawn heightened scrutiny from oversight bodies.
The probe represents an intensified accountability effort as the state seeks to ensure transparent governance in major infrastructure investments. Officials have stated that findings from the vigilance investigation will inform any remedial measures needed to strengthen acquisition procedures for future projects of similar magnitude.