Kochi: Money gained through the flood relief fund scam, in which CPM local committee leaders were also involved, was used to facilitate poultry farming.

Investigations revealed that Collectorate employee Vishnu Prasad and his friend bought a poultry farm in Pollachi. They extorted money from the flood relief fund to settle the dues after buying the poultry farm. The accused also wanted to lead a luxurious life.

Vishnu Prasad is a section Clark at Ernakulum Collectorate. His friend Mahesh and CPM local committee leader M. M. Anwar were involved in the scam. Vishnu Prasad transferred Rs 10. 54 lakhs from the flood relief fund to Anwar’s bank account. In similar fashion, he transferred money into five more accounts. However, it is revealed that Rs 2.5 lakhs was transferred to an account linked to a CPM leader. The Crime Branch is investigating the details of the cash transactions.

Vishnu Prasad was taken to the Ernakulam Collectorate for evidence collection the other day. After taking him to the flood relief cell, he was interrogated about the scam. The Crime Branch later revealed that the accused admitted to the crime. Meanwhile, Anwar and Mahesh are absconding.