Sukumara Kurup in Brunei? Crime Branch doubts claim, plans Interpol verification

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Four decades after his disappearance, the whereabouts of Sukumara Kurup remain a mystery, with a new claim that the fugitive is alive and living in Brunei. However, the Crime Branch said the claim is likely to be a rumour and that it will approach Interpol to verify it. Crime Branch IG S. Shyam Sundar told Kerala Kaumudi that there is currently no confirmation of the claims about Kurup's presence in Brunei. The investigation by the Alappuzha Crime Branch SP is continuing.

The latest claims suggest that Kurup has been living in hiding in Brunei by posing as a Malayali born in Malaysia. It has also been claimed that his wife and son are in Abu Dhabi. Photographs purportedly showing Kurup in Brunei have also surfaced.

According to the claims, Kurup's connection to Brunei was traced by intercepting phone calls involving his relatives. It is also being alleged that he has a construction company with a Chinese national in Simpang, near the Malaysia-Brunei border. A purportedly intercepted phone conversation allegedly contains a portion in which Kurup tells his wife that nobody will be able to find him.

However, IG Shyam Sundar said no cyber expert had been involved in the investigation as claimed.

The person resembling Kurup in the photographs is reportedly 78 years old. The Crime Branch, however, said Kurup would now be around 83 years old. Television channels have also aired visuals purportedly showing Kurup's hideout, but these too have not been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Ali Akbar, a former member of the investigation team, posted on Facebook claiming that Kurup is in Brunei. He also shared a photograph purportedly showing Kurup. He claimed to have details including Kurup's travel in a car and stay at a hotel.

The claims further suggest that Kurup's identity in Brunei is that of a Malaysian citizen of Indian origin, using a combination of Christian and Hindu names. The Crime Branch has rejected this claim as well.

There have also been reports that the police were ending the case on the assumption that Kurup had died. The Crime Branch, however, said there is no evidence to establish that Kurup is dead.

Kurup is the accused in the Chacko murder case, which created a major stir in Kerala. Chacko was murdered on January 22, 1984, in a case that shocked the state.

“The Alappuzha Crime Branch SP's investigation is continuing. There is no confirmation of the current claims,” said S. Shyam Sundar, IG, Crime Branch.