'No role in current propaganda'; Former investigating officer denies involvement in Brunei story

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ali Akbar, the former investigating officer in the Sukumara Kurup missing case, said it was not him who gave newly emerged photos to the news media. Ali Akbar also denied any responsibility for the propaganda about the new Brunei story or the pictures that appeared on social media.

The officer said that he was given the charge of the case related to the disappearance of Sukumara Kurup in 2017. Ali Akbar had earlier revealed that the investigation conducted found that Kurup was alive. A stranger maintained contact with Kurup's family from different parts of the world. The officer added that he received information that Kurup is alive from three close relatives of the fugitive.

Meanwhile, Akbar said that he came to know about the news currently circulating through TV channels. Akbar clarified getting prior information that Sukumara Kurup was alive in Brunei. However, since the authenticity was dubious, he had not shared that information with anyone.