Monson Mavunkal case: Charges against senior cop, retired officer

Kochi: The Crime Branch unit of Kerala Police has named a senior cop and a retired officer in a cheating case related to controversial antique dealer Monson Mavunkal, a day after naming KPCC president K Sudhakaran the second accused in a case of cheating in the name of selling artefacts worth Rs 10 crore. 

IG Guguloth Lakshman and former DIG S Surendran, the accused, are reportedly close acquaintances of Monson Mavunkal. Further, a report prepared by the DGP indicated that IG Lakshman had visited Monson's residence multiple times in his official vehicle. 

It was alleged that IG Lakshman stood as the middle-man in Monson's fake antique deals and tried to intervene in investigations. Following the controversy, the government suspended IG Lakshman from service. A review committee recommended cancelling his suspension and reinstating him.

The complainants alleged that they handed over Rs 25 lakh to Monson at the residence of former DIG Surendran.