The Kerala Finance Department has recommended disciplinary action against former Kerala Social Security Mission (KSSM) Executive Director Dr Mohammed Asheel after a Finance Inspection report found alleged procedural and financial irregularities in COVID-19 prevention campaigns carried out during the pandemic.
The report says the ‘Break the Chain’ campaign was implemented by KSSM without a government order authorising the agency to execute it. It also found that the administrative committee failed to obtain government approval to ratify expenses and activities, while records, bills and vouchers related to the campaign were not properly maintained or produced for inspection.
Gold 101.3FM UAE’s No.1 radio station reports that the Finance Inspection Wing has called for a comprehensive audit of sponsorship funds, expenditure and supporting bills linked to the project.
According to the report, ₹4.89 crore was spent on the ‘Break the Chain’ campaign despite the absence of a government order assigning the programme to KSSM. It also flagged irregularities in the construction of a ₹19.64 lakh video-conference room, stating that the facility failed to meet required standards during physical inspection.
The inspection further cited deficiencies in tender and stock registers, lack of anticipatory sanctions and government ratification for several activities, and the release of large advance payments to various departments without prior government approval, describing these as instances of financial indiscipline.
The probe was launched following observations by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which termed the expenditure “unauthorised, unjustifiable and requiring further scrutiny.” The Finance Department said Dr Asheel’s explanation was unsatisfactory, paving the way for disciplinary proceedings.
Responding to the allegations, Dr Asheel maintained that all transactions were transparent and independently audited, saying the priority during the pandemic was “to save lives, not paperwork during normal times.”
Dr Asheel was relieved from his post at KSSM in July 2021 and posted as Medical Officer at Payyanur Taluk Hospital. Separately, the 2025 CAG report highlighted other COVID procurement irregularities during the first Pinarayi Vijayan government, including PPE purchases at rates up to 300% higher than market prices and advance payments made in violation of norms, resulting in an estimated additional expenditure of ₹10.23 crore.
