Fake Antique Dealer: Kerala High Court Finds No Reason To Suspect Foul Play In Ongoing Investigation

After hearing the submissions of the respective investigating agencies, the Kerala High Court on Thursday observed that there was no reason to suspect any foul play in the ongoing investigation against the infamous fake antique dealer Monson Mavunkal.

Justice Devan Ramachandran made this remark while adjudicating upon a petition filed by the dealer's former driver, who had alleged harassment from his ex-employer and certain police officers close to him.

Director-General of Prosecutions TA Shaji submitted that out of the 12 crimes registered against Mavunkal, investigation of some have been completed while others were still pending. He added that the Special Team was vigorously investigating various issues in the case including persons outside India. A report of the same has been directed to be produced before the Court. 

Central Government Standing Counsel Suvin R. Menon appearing for the Enforcement Directorate submitted that a statement has been filed detailing steps taken by the ED with respect to the various allegations involved in the case. He added the agency was currently taking statements of witnesses in the matter.

Notably, the ED also communicated to the Court that the Superintendent of the Crime Branch had not yet responded to its requisition for certain information and documents related to the case. However, DGP Shaji submitted that the afore submission was not correct and that the Crime Branch has responded and will continue to respond to all requisitions made, which will also be made clear in the report. 

The Court clarified that at the moment, there was no reason to suspect any foul play in the ongoing investigation or that it is going against the manner as warranted under law.

Who is Monson Mavunkal?

Mavunkal had made headlines in the State after his antique collection scam was busted by the Crime Branch pursuant to a complaint of cheating being filed against him.

The dealer's former driver had earlier approached the Court seeking police protection alleging that after he made disclosures before the police against Mavunkal, the latter through some senior police officers continued to harass him.

The antique dealer has been arrayed as the 5th respondent in the matter.

In his petition, the driver had alleged that Mavunkal also threatened to implicate him in criminal cases and other dire consequences if he disclosed any information about the deception.

He added that the disclosures he made were in connection with a cheating complaint made against Mavunkal by the complainant who had accused the dealer of cheating him of Rs 6 crore.

Case Title: Ajith E.V. v. The Commissioner of Police & Ors.