Kochi : Crime Branch sleuths in Kalamaserry recorded arrest of KPCC president K Sudhakaran following their interrogation of him in the fake antique fraud relating to Monson Mavunkal. The arrest came over seven hours into the interrogation.
As Sudhakaran had secured interim bail in the case, he was released on a bond of Rs 50,000 after recording the arrest.
Backdrop
Monson Mavunkal, a master conman from Chertala, swindled over Rs 10 crore from several people by selling ‘antiques’ which were in fact refurbished throwaways from film shooting sets and others by getting them to invest money into the business that was made to appear like a thriving empire. Eventually, the scam blew up and police arrested Monson in 2021.
The KPCC president K Sudhakaran, who was a longtime friend of Monson was a frequent visitor to the fake antique dealer’s house in Kochi and often stayed over. Complaints got filed accusing Sudhakaran as middleman to much of Monson’s racketeering. Those who lost money blamed the Congress veteran’s personal presence and assurance during deals as being catalyst to their investments.
Crime Branch collected testimonies, phone records and other digital evidences including footage that corroborated with complainants’ claims that Sudhakaran was present at Monson’s house during some of his dubious deals.
Incidentally, Monson was recently arrested under POCSO for raping the minor daughter of a maid who worked at his house.
