Fake Antique Dealer's Alleged Links With Police: DGP Seeks More Time To File A Detailed Counter Before Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday granted more time to the Director General of Police to file its counter-affidavit in the case where controversial fake antique dealer Monson Mavunkal was suspected to have personal links with senior police officers.

When the DGP sought more time, Justice Devan Ramachandran enquired if sufficient time wasn't granted since the last hearing date was 5th October.

The DGP responded that since the Court had called for a detailed affidavit, it needed a few more days to file the same.

The Court accordingly posted the matter to be taken up on Friday. 

Why Was The Fake Antique Dealer Granted Protection? Kerala High Court Demands An Answer From Police

Mavunkal's former driver had approached the Court alleging that after he made disclosures before the police against the dealer, certain senior police officers were subjecting him to harassment.

The Court had earlier impleaded the State Police Chief in the matter to conduct an elaborate probe into the grave allegations put forth by the petitioner against some of the superior police officers and their alleged links with the bogus collector.

Mavunkal had recently 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.

Kerala High Court Directs Probe Into Controversial Antique Dealer's Alleged Links With Senior Police Officers, Grants Police Protection To His Former Driver

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.