IUML expels member following probe into ₹8-crore Qatar currency theft

Kozhikode (Kerala): The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has expelled a party member and stripped him of all organisational posts within its affiliated wings amid an ongoing police investigation into the theft of 31 lakh Qatari riyals, valued at approximately ₹8 crore, from the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) office in Doha.

The IUML state committee announced the disciplinary action on Saturday through its official mouthpiece, ‘Chandrika’ daily. The party confirmed that Razak Kunnummel, also known as Rotana Razak, a resident of Thurayoor panchayat, stands expelled from the primary membership of the party as well as associated bodies, including the KMCC.

The KMCC functions as a social welfare and cultural organisation affiliated with the IUML, a key constituent of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala. Prior to his expulsion, Razak served as an IUML council member in Qatar and held active membership within the KMCC.

The Koyilandy Police registered a formal case on September 15, 2026 regarding the currency theft, which occurred on September 18, 2025 at the KMCC office situated in the Al Thumama district of Doha. According to police officials, four persons who allegedly travelled from Kerala to Qatar were directly involved in executing the break-in.

The major delay in lodging an official police complaint had previously drawn sharp political criticism against both the IUML and KMCC leadership. However, IUML leaders clarified that Qatar KMCC vice-president P K Abdul Rahim filed the police complaint under explicit instructions from the party high command.

The development follows the recent surrender of local BJP leader Parappil Balakrishnan, a native of Koyilandy, before the investigating team. Prior to surrendering, Balakrishnan had publicly levelled allegations against Razak regarding his role in the incident.

Other individuals named as accused in the police case include Shaji, Asainar, Rashi Payyoli, Salih (alias Bava), Kakachi Kamaru and Nisar.

PTI