Kochi: Kerala Inspector General of Police G Lakshman, third accused in the Monson Mavunkal-linked antique fraud case, failed to turn up for Crime Branch (CB) interrogation on Monday citing medical grounds. As per reports, Lakshman, sought exemption from the CB questioning via email as he had been undergoing ayurvedic treatment. The officer further stated that he was unable to travel and had taken leave for 15 days. 

The CB had issued summons to Lakshman to appear before the district crime branch office in Kalamassery on Monday at 11 am. However, he failed to show up and informed the authorities about his treatment by noon. The CB is likely to inform the court about Lakshman, who has secured interim anticipatory bail, skipping the interrogation.  

Earlier on Saturday, Lakshman had moved the high court seeking to quash an FIR registered against him, in connection with the fraud case, and levelled serious allegations against the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) terming it as an “extraordinary constitutional authority." 

Meanwhile, there are reports hinting that the controversial portion in the IG’s plea is likely to be removed. Nevertheless, Lakshman’s advocate said that no such demands have been raised in the regard. 

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