‘Sukumara Kurup is alive’: Former probe officer alleges pressure to suppress case

Thiruvananthapuram: Former investigating officer in the Sukumara Kurup case, Ali Akbar, has made a significant revelation claiming that Sukumara Kurup is still alive. He said he does not believe that Kurup has died and alleged that there was external pressure to suppress the case. Akbar also alleged that the police committed several lapses during the investigation. His remarks came against the backdrop of media reports suggesting that Sukumara Kurup may be alive in Brunei.

Ali Akbar said attempts to establish that Kurup had died were incorrect and that, based on his examination of Kurup’s family background and circumstances, he was fully convinced that he had not died. He said clues had been included in the case files based on the conclusion that Kurup could be alive somewhere in the world and that these could help locate him.

According to Akbar, Kurup used to regularly visit a hotel in Brunei. He would have dinner there in the evening before leaving, and reportedly told his colleagues that he was a Malaysian of Indian origin.

However, others became suspicious after noticing that the man spoke Malayalam. Akbar said he wanted to believe with “100 per cent certainty” that this person was Sukumara Kurup. He added that he believed investigators had obtained some clear documents related to the matter. If the Kerala Police properly use this information, Kurup could potentially be traced and arrested, he said.

Akbar alleged that there was intense pressure from certain quarters on the police to establish that Sukumara Kurup had died. He said he believed the police were being prevented from pursuing Kurup, rather than being unable to arrest him due to a lack of capability.

He further alleged that Sukumara Kurup has considerable influence in various fields. According to Akbar, Kurup’s family members have significant influence in the police force, legal profession, politics and community circles, besides being financially well-off. He said he realised during the investigation that these influences had worked in Kurup’s favour.