The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly arrested the former principal secretary to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, M Sivasankar, in connection with the Life Mission scam. Reportedly, the arrest has been recorded after three days of questioning.

Life Mission is a flagship programme of the Kerala government through which homes are built for the homeless.

The project aimed to build houses for 140 families in Thrissur's Wadakkanchery region through the Life Mission scheme by spending Rs 14.50 crore out of Rs 20 crore granted by the Red Crescent via the UAE consulate.

The contract also said the remaining amount would be used for the construction of a hospital. The Red Crescent is said to be a non-profit organization supporting humanitarian work.

UNITAC Builders were given the construction contract. UNITAC managing director Santhosh Eapen said that all the accused had received a bribe worth Rs 4.48 crore for the project. Later, the government ordered a probe into the case.

Accused in the case, Swapna Suresh and Sarith PS made allegations against Sivasankar that he had a role in this.

The life mission complex at Thrissur came under suspicion after allegations of bribery. The other accused in the case are Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair.