Bank records and audio clips challenge claims in PP Divya carton firm case

Bank Records and Audio Clips Emerge

New bank records and an audio clip have emerged that question the claims made by the managing director of a carton company linked to former Kannur district panchayat president P.P. Divya. Carton India Alliance MD Mohammad Asif had earlier denied any links with Divya or receiving any contracts without following proper rules, even offering one crore rupees to anyone who could prove the company was a benami firm. However, leaked bank documents and screenshots show money and gifts were sent from the company's account to political leaders and officials. The accounts of the Steel Industrial Kerala general manager, Divya's brother, and her driver received funds, while top officials of the state-run firm were given gold gifts and money was transferred to their wives' accounts. Other recipients included local representatives, panchayat staff, and LDF Kasaragod candidate Shanavas Padur, who received funds.

Audio Evidence and Property Deals

In the released audio clip, Asif is heard discussing the payment of 15 lakh rupees to Shanavas Padur and suggesting that the amount be logged as a Kasaragod expense rather than showing Shanavas's name in the accounts. The recording also mentions that money withdrawn through Nithin's account was meant for Baby Balakrishnan. Registration records show that land in prominent tourist spots in Kannur was bought jointly in the names of Mohammad Asif and Divya's husband, P.P. Ajith. Biju Mohan, whose brother Binu Mohan is a vigilance circle inspector, is listed as a company director, raising further questions about how he became involved with the firm.

Context

Public sector procurement rules and transparency laws in local government bodies exist to prevent officials from steering lucrative contracts to private entities in exchange for kickbacks. When high-ranking political figures and government officers are accused of routing corporate funds through family members, it triggers widespread public debate about corruption and misuse of authority. Investigators often rely on financial trails, such as bank logs and digital communication records, to verify whether official procedures were bypassed.