Sukumara Kurup dead? Kerala police to close case; report to be submitted to Crime Branch chief

Thiruvananthapuram: The mystery surrounding fugitive Sukumara Kurup, who has been the subject of decades-long manhunt, may finally be nearing an end. The investigation team is reportedly preparing to close the case, concluding that Kurup is no longer alive. Investigators believe he may have died of heart disease several years ago. A final report is likely to be submitted soon, bringing the investigation to a close.

The new investigation team will soon submit a report to the Crime Branch chief. A decision to close the investigation will be taken after discussions at the higher level. The police reopened Kurup's case three months ago as part of an effort to resolve long-pending cases.

The investigation team recorded the statements of several witnesses, including Ratnamma, a native of Alappuzha who claimed to have seen Kurup. Following this, the team reportedly concluded that no further action was required in the case.

Ratnamma, who was working as a nurse in Jharkhand, was reportedly the only Malayali to have seen Kurup after he fled following the murder. It was also revealed that Kurup was suffering from heart disease at the time. Considering his age and health condition when Ratnamma claimed to have seen him, investigators believe it is highly unlikely that he could have survived for so many years.

The incident took place on January 22, 1984. In an attempt to fake his own death and claim the insurance money taken out in his name, Kurup allegedly strangled an innocent man, Chacko, and burned his body inside a car.