Kochi: The Kerala Government has given its sanction to conduct a vigilance inquiry against former LDF MLA P V Anvar on a complaint alleging that he had illegally transferred leased land measuring 11.46 acres in Aluva East village to his name.

The directive in this regard was given by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Vigilance Director. The complaint was filed by Murugesh Narendran, a Kollam-based businessman and planter.

The disputed land, located near the Indian Navy’s armament depot, had been given on a 99-year lease to a hotel group. When the hotel group defaulted on repayment of a loan, the Debts Recovery Tribunal auctioned the land, and Peeves Realtors India, a company with Anvar as the managing director, acquired the 99-year lease.

Later, Anvar allegedly carried out a mutation of the leased land by illegal means and transferred it to his name by paying taxes. The complainant also alleged that Anvar had taken a loan of Rs 14 crore from an SBI branch in Coimbatore using this land as collateral.

The Vigilance had launched a preliminary inquiry after receiving the complaint that Anvar, as the MLA, had engaged in misuse of power and corruption to commit the fraud.

Subsequently, the Vigilance Director sought the government’s sanction to conduct a probe into the allegations against Anvar on November 19, 2024, which was granted on December 24. According to current estimates, the land and a building on it are valued at Rs 200 crore.

Anvar’s challenge
Responding to the development, Anvar challenged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan or anyone else to demolish the building or take over the land in Aluva. Speaking to the media in Malappuram, Anvar said that he gained possession of the 11.46 acres in Aluva as per the law of the land.

“I took the land after it was auctioned by the tribunal in New Delhi. All documents related to the transactions will be presented before the people and media,” he said.

“Let the government’s probe continue. While leaving the LDF, I had anticipated a witch-hunt against me and I am ready to face it,” he added.