Thiruvananthapuram, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s reported intervention seeking urgent land acquisition in Kannur through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has come under scrutiny amid allegations of irregularities and questions over the prices paid for the land.
According to information that has emerged, Vijayan, who led the state from 2016 to 2026, stressed the need for the acquisition during a meeting with the KIIFB chief executive officer, citing its importance for industrial development.
The development assumes significance following findings by an expert committee headed by former Finance Secretary Sudha Pillai, which reportedly flagged serious irregularities in KIIFB land acquisitions during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. The committee raised concerns over purchases at prices allegedly reaching five times the market value.
The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) reportedly fixed land prices at Rs 2.5 crore per acre in Kannur and Rs 1 crore per acre in Palakkad.
Questions have also been raised over the utilisation of the acquired land. Despite the stated urgency of the Kannur project, construction has reportedly not begun, prompting concerns about the justification for the acquisition and delays in implementation.
The controversy has affected hundreds of landowners. More than 700 acres across two villages in Kannur were notified for acquisition around eight years ago, but affected owners reportedly remain without compensation. They say the notification has restricted their ability to mortgage or cultivate their land and has created difficulties in obtaining new drinking water connections.
The landowners have urged the government either to complete the acquisition and pay compensation or withdraw the notification if the land is no longer required.
Vijayan defended KIIFB’s acquisitions at an extended Kannur district party meeting on Sunday, rejecting allegations of irregularities raised by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. He maintained that the acquisitions followed legal procedures and that compensation was determined through the prescribed process. Owners dissatisfied with the amounts, he said, could approach the courts.
He also defended the proposed science and IT parks, arguing that the selected locations reflected land availability and project requirements, and denied allegations of political favouritism towards Kannur.
Satheesan has announced that a high-level probe is required, with the investigating agency expected to be named this week. The allegations and the proposed inquiry have placed the land acquisitions under renewed scrutiny.
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