Collector N Prasanth orders probe into Malabar River Fest

KOZHIKODE: District collector N. Prashanth has ordered an enquiry into the alleged misappropriation of the DTPC funds during the third edition of Malabar River Festival last year. Sub-collector K. Gopalakrishnan head the probe. The collector also decided to send a letter to tourism secretary to blacklist Madras Fund Tools, the logistics and training partner of the festival.

The elephant procession conducted during the valedictory function and the misappropriations by the DTPC staff will also be investigated. Meanwhile, the district administration and the DTPC which were initially reluctant have decided to co-operate with this edition to be held from July 29 to 31.

A meeting attended by Thiruvambadi MLA George M. Thomas, Mr Prasanth, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) CEO Asha Jose and Kodancherry grama panchayat president took the decision. However, the collector insisted not to involve the Chennai-based firm, which had already started work. A public relations department release said it was made the principal organiser by the KATPS and the DTPC without following norms.

"It also tried to evade tax on the prize money," it said. The firm has already started crowd funding with a target of Rs 5 lakh in the absence of government support. It has received a good response - Rs 2 lakh within three days. Its participation is now in question.