The Kerala government has suspended Inspector General of Police (Training) Gogulloth Lakshman for his alleged involvement in a cheating case associated with fake antique dealer Monson Mavunkal. Lakshman was arrested by the Crime Branch of the Kerala Police in August on charges of conspiracy, cheating and forgery. He was released on anticipatory bail by the Kerala High Court last month.
The Crime Branch had found evidence that Lakshman had helped Mavunkal to forge documents and cheat people. He had also allegedly received gifts and money from Mavunkal.
The suspension of Lakshman is a major embarrassment for the Kerala Police. It also raises questions about the integrity of the police force. The government has said that it will take action against any other police officer found to be involved in the case.
Here are some of the details of the case:
Mavunkal is a self-styled antique dealer who was arrested in September 2021 by the Crime Branch on charges of cheating and forgery. He is accused of duping people by selling them fake antiques.
The Crime Branch also found that Mavunkal had links with several politicians and bureaucrats.
Lakshman was arrested in August 2023 on charges of conspiracy, cheating and forgery. He is accused of helping Mavunkal to forge documents and cheat people.
Lakshman was released on anticipatory bail by the Kerala High Court in September 2023.
The Kerala government has suspended Lakshman from service.
The case is still under investigation. It is not clear what the outcome of the case will be. However, the suspension of Lakshman is a major setback for him and the Kerala Police.
