[Fake Antiques scam] Kerala High Court says accused Monson Mavunkal's alleged links with police officials need closer scrutiny

The Kerala High Court on Thursday said that police authorities, including the State Police Chief must conduct a through investigation into the fake antique scam in view of the fact that the former driver of the accused Monson Mavunkal has alleged that Mavunkal has links with police officials in the State (Ajith EV v. Commissioner of Police and Ors.)..Single judge Justice Devan Ramachandran made these observations in a petition filed by the former driver of Mavunkal who approached the Court for police protection from his previous employer.The Court granted the petitioner police protection by directing the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the life of the petitioner is protected adequately and that necessary enquiries are made into any threats made against him.Pertinently, the Court remarked that the petitioner's allegations seem to have expanded to insinuate that Mavunkal has associations with top police officials and therefore impleaded the State Police Chief so that he can be directed to conduct an enquiry."This Writ Petition was filed on 11.08.2021 but in the last few days the allegations of the petitioner have certainly acquired a new colour. I am, therefore, certain that the assertions of the petitioner will require to be closely looked into by the competent Police Authorities, including the State Police Chief, particularly because investigation is stated to be proceeding against the 5th respondent on various grievous allegations. I, therefore, permit the petitioner to implead the State Police Chief in the party array", the order stated. .Monson Mavunkal has gained notoriety across the State as news reports surfaced that he had allegedly conned several people of over ₹10 crores through his antique scam. Thereafter, Mavunkal's former driver, the petitioner in this case, approached the Kerala High Court through advocates Philip T Varghese and Thomas T Varghese. He sought protection from his former boss after he had disclosed some information regarding Mavunkal's scam to the police.However, he later expanded his allegations and stated that Mavunkal has been threatening him through some police officers with whom he has ties. .The Court asserted that the matter must be looked into with seriousness and impleaded the State Police Chief as a respondent in the matter.The case will be heard again on October 5, 2021. .[Read Order]