Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government has again suspended Inspector General Guguloth Lakshman for 'defaming the police force' over his alleged links to fake antiquities dealer Monson Mavunkal.

The officer was under suspension from November 10, 2021 to February 10, 2023. The suspension was revoked as he was not charged in the case. However, the Crime Branch of the Kerala Police arrested the officer last month. The Enforcement Directorate is also probing his transactions.

Also Read

placeholder

Kerala govt moves HC seeking cancellation of interim bail granted to IG Lakshman

placeholder

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

placeholder

Monson Mavunkal case: IG Lakshman skips CB interrogation citing medical grounds

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

As soon as Mavunkal 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.

Sudhakaran after appearing before the police on June 23 was arrested and released on bail soon after, as he had secured anticipatory bail from the high court. Soon after that the probe team named Lakshman an accused, but he secured anticipatory bail from the high court.

The 1997 batch IPS officer hails from Telangana. Lekshman was all set to be promoted as Additional Director General of Police in January 2022, but after his suspension the move was put on hold.

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." He allegedly used significant personalities as bait to secure the money.