Pathanamthitta, Kerala: A 70-year-old tribal chieftain from Kokkathode near Konni in Pathanamthitta has been missing for nearly a week, prompting fresh demands for an intensive search operation and a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Mohandas, the tribal chieftain of the Kattathi settlement, was last seen on the morning of June 26 after he entered a nearby forest. Despite extensive searches by the Konni Police, Forest Department personnel and local residents, he has not been traced.

Tribal chieftain’s family submitted complaints to the District Collector and the Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police, urging authorities to step up efforts to find him. Officials have said that searches will be expanded further into the interior forest, with Mohandas' relatives accompanying police and forest teams during the operation.

MLA raises allegations, seeks Home Minister's intervention

After visiting Mohandas' family on Friday, CPM leader and Konni MLA K U Jenish Kumar called for a comprehensive investigation into the case and said he would submit a complaint to State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala seeking an in-depth probe.

The MLA also urged authorities to intensify the search using advanced technology, including drones.

According to Jenish, the family made serious allegations against the police over their handling of an earlier case involving Mohandas.

He said Mohandas had visited the Konni police station along with a panchayat ward member in connection with a dispute over work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The family alleged that police officials treated him disrespectfully during the visit.

Jenish further said the family claimed Mohandas was asked to return to the station the following day, when police personnel allegedly demanded and accepted a bribe before informing him that the matter had been settled.

Court summons preceded disappearance

The MLA said the family alleged that Mohandas later received a court summons in connection with the same 2023 case, despite being told it had been settled. According to them, he entered the forest soon after receiving the summons and has not been seen since.

Describing the allegations as serious, Jenish said they warranted a detailed investigation.

"I will submit a complaint to the Home Minister. There should be an in-depth investigation into the matter," he said.

Police deny bribery allegation

Police and Forest Department personnel continue to search for Mohandas in the forest, with operations being carried out cautiously because he is believed to have ventured deep into the wooded area.

Meanwhile, Konni Police denied the family's allegation that officers accepted a bribe to settle the 2023 case before subsequently filing charges against Mohandas. The family has maintained that he disappeared shortly after receiving the court summons related to that case.