ED questioned IG Lakshman for hours in Monson-linked cheating case

Kochi: IG Guguloth Lakshman was questioned for hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a cheating case involving controversial antique dealer Monson Mavunkal. 

After arriving at the ED headquarters in Kochi at 10:45 a.m., the officials questioned Lakshman until midnight on Friday.

Lakshman arrived at the ED office hours after appearing before the Crime Branch unit of Kerala Police in a separate case linked with Monson Mavunkal. In this case, the Crime Branch recorded his arrest and released him on bail. 

Despite receiving multiple summons, Lakshman had failed to appear before ED officials probing the controversial case. The High Court had also directed the officer to cooperate with the investigation. 

ED had reportedly questioned the senior cop about persons who introduced him to Monson, including his connection to a young woman from Andhra Pradesh and financial dealings in the case. Furthermore, ED also examined the financial assets and properties owned by Lakshman. 

Lakshman is accused in various offences punishable under Sections 468 (forgery) and 420 (cheating) among other provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Mavunkal, who claims to be in possession of rare and historic antiques, was arrested in 2021 by the district crime branch, which has been probing a case against him of cheating several people of Rs 10 crore.

As soon as he was arrested, photos of the accused with KPCC chief K Sudhakaran, senior IPS officials, top bureaucrats and many others were telecast in the mainstream media.

The complaint against Mavunkal was forwarded to the Ernakulam District Crime Branch from the Chief Minister's Office after six victims approached the Chief Minister.

Mavunkal had apparently borrowed the amount from various people, saying he was in need of funds to "clear procedures to obtain Rs 2,65,000 crore, a massive amount from his account in a foreign bank".