Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress has alleged corruption in the construction of an Anganwadi building in Mangalapuram grama panchayat, which was funded through the MLA's Asset Development Fund.

Although ₹30 lakh was sanctioned for the project, the completed structure measures only about 680 square feet, Congress leader Akhilesh Nellimood has claimed in a complaint submitted to the Chief Minister. The allegation pertains to Anganwadi No 131 in Mundakkal ward.

According to the complaint, the newly built Anganwadi consists only of a hall, a toilet and a storeroom. Even if the construction cost is calculated at ₹2,500 per square foot, the total expenditure should not have exceeded ₹17 lakh, the complaint states.

Nellimood said an initial complaint was submitted to the Executive Engineer at the District Panchayat office, but no action was taken, prompting him to escalate the matter to the Chief Minister.

At present, only the front portion of the building- around 20 metres in length-  has a completed wall, while the remaining area is left open. The facility also lacks a proper water connection and depends on nearby houses for water supply, the complaint alleges. Demanding a comprehensive probe, the Congress has called for an investigation into the entire construction process.

Responding to the allegations, former panchayat member Sunil said that while ₹30 lakh had indeed been sanctioned for the project, payments to the contractor would be released only after officials verify whether the work has been completed as per specifications.