In a significant development, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President K Sudhakaran has been named as the second accused in the Monson Mavunkal fake antique fraud case. The Crime Branch of Kerala Police has filed a charge-sheet against Sudhakaran, alleging his involvement in the fraudulent activities alongside Monson Mavunkal, who is listed as the first accused.
The case stems from allegations that Mavunkal, a fake antique dealer, defrauded individuals by promising assistance from Sudhakaran in resolving issues related to the release of funds from abroad. The complainant, a native of Malappuram, accused Mavunkal of taking Rs 25 lakhs from him in Sudhakaran's presence in 2018 under the guise that Sudhakaran would help in clearing objections from the Centre for releasing Rs 2.62 lakh crore due to Mavunkal from abroad on account of antique trade with a royal family.
Moreover, the complainant alleged that Mavunkal gave Rs 10 lakhs to Sudhakaran. Sudhakaran was arrested in connection with this case last year but later obtained anticipatory bail. Various sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy have been invoked against him.
The timing of these developments is noteworthy, particularly with the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Opposition Leader V D Satheesan of Congress has claimed that this move by the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala is deliberate, aimed at influencing the elections. Sudhakaran, who is the sitting Member of Parliament of Kannur, initially refrained from contesting citing his responsibilities as PCC president. However, with pressure mounting on him, especially after the decision to field a senior leader from his constituency, Sudhakaran is reportedly considering contesting in the upcoming elections.
These allegations and legal proceedings against Sudhakaran carry significant political implications, and the case is expected to draw attention from both political circles and the public as it progresses. It is crucial for the legal process to unfold impartially to ascertain the truth behind these allegations and uphold the principles of justice.